DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from the extremely halophilic archaebacterium Halococcus morrhuae

Abstract

Pure and absolutely DNA-dependent RNA polymerase has been isolated from the extremely halophilic archaebacterium, Halococcus morrhuae. It is composed of five heavy (142 000; 88 000; 73 000; 52 500; and 49 500 Da) and five small components (13 300; 11 200; 10 800; 10 500; 9 900 Da). The peptides of 49 500 Da and 52 500 Da probably represent one component in different modification states. Single-stranded DNA shows the highest template efficiency, although archaebacterial chromosomal DNAs are efficiently transcribed. Rifampicin, streptolydigin and alpha-amanitin do not inhibit transcription by this enzyme. Heparin permits elongation but not initiation of transcription. The activity of H. morrhuae RNA polymerase is strongly stimulated by glycerol and dimethylsulfoxide.