Seminar - Jan Dohnálek - A passion for 3D structure

A passion for 3D structure - Mechanistic insights into the role of protein HelD in bacterial RNA polymerase recycling and antibiotic resistance

Ing. Jan Dohnálek, Ph.D.

Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, IBT

Protein HelD was originally discovered as a partner of bacterial RNA polymerase generally interfering with transcription. Our understanding of the role of HelD in bacterial transcription has been significantly enriched by the three-dimensional structure of its complex with RNAP. What seemed to be a protein factor involved mainly in release of stalled transcription complexes is now also understood as a protein involved in target protection mechanism of antibiotic resistance. The intricate details of interactions of HelD with RNAP, the mechanism of eliciting rifampicin resistance as well as the latest knowledge on its release from RNAP and involvement in transcription initiation will be discussed.