Background: Transcriptional activators interact with RNA polymerase to redefine gene expression. Results: A phage activator engages a region of the specificity factor of E. coli RNA polymerase, which is normally bound by another portion of RNA polymerase. Conclusion: Using an activator/co-activator system, the phage hijacks the host RNA polymerase. Significance: Small transcriptional factors acting on defined local regions of RNA polymerase can fundamentally change gene expression.
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