An integrated study of RNA polymerase transcription

RNA polymerase (RNAP) facilitates important regulatory events in the cell through its pivotal role in transcription. Dr Werner aims to characterise RNAP and its interactions with partner molecules in a group of organisms called Archaea, which is emerging as a versatile model system owing to the stability of their proteins and simplicity of their genetics, genomes and regulatory networks. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of transcription is important because it expands our knowledge of fundamental processes that are essential to all life. Illuminating structure-function relationships of RNAPs is also needed to rationalise the mechanisms of drug action, and thus holds great promise for the development of novel improved drugs to combat agents of infectious diseases by interfering with transcription.