Structural basis of Integrator-dependent RNA polymerase II termination. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38570683/)

These scientists wanted to understand how a complex called Integrator stops a process called transcription, which is like when a machine copies a recipe from a cookbook. They already knew some things about how Integrator works, but they didn't know exactly how it removes the copying machine, called RNA polymerase II, from the recipe book, which is the DNA.

So, the scientists used a special tool called cryo-electron microscopy to take pictures of Integrator in action. They found that Integrator has different parts that work together like a team. One part looks like a scorpion's tail and helps open a clamp that holds the copying machine in place. Another part stops the copying machine from coming back after it's done its job.

By looking at these pictures, the scientists figured out that Integrator stops the copying machine in three steps. First, it opens the clamp, then it kicks out the copying machine, and finally, it makes sure the copying machine can't come back. This study helps us understand how cells control the copying process, which is important for many things in our bodies.

Fianu I., Ochmann M., Walshe JL., Dybkov O., Cruz JN., Urlaub H., Cramer P. Structural basis of Integrator-dependent RNA polymerase II termination. Nature. 2024 May;629(8010):219-227. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07269-4. Epub 2024 Apr 3.