RNA polymerase sigma factor determines start-site selection but is not required for upstream promoter element activation on heteroduplex (bubble) templates

Sequence-selective transcription by bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) requires σ factor that participates in both promoter recognition and DNA melting. RNAP lacking σ (core enzyme) will initiate RNA synthesis from duplex ends, nicks, gaps, and single-stranded regions. We have used DNA templates containing short regions of heteroduplex (bubbles) to compare initiation in the presence and absence of various σ factors. Using bubble templates containing the σ(D)-dependent flagellin promoter, with or without its associated upstream promoter (UP) element, we demonstrate that UP element stimulation occurs efficiently even in the absence of σ. This supports a model in which the UP element acts primarily through the α subunit of core enzyme to increase the initial association of RNAP with the promoter. Core and holoenzyme do differ substantially in the template positions chosen for initiation: σ(D) restricts initiation to sites 8–9 nucleotides downstream of the conserved −10 element. Remarkably, σ(A) also has a dramatic effect on start-site selection even though the σ(A) holoenzyme is inactive on the corresponding homoduplexes. The start sites chosen by the σ(A) holoenzyme are located 8 nucleotides downstream of sequences on the nontemplate strand that resemble the conserved −10 hexamer recognized by σ(A). Thus, σ(A) appears to recognize the −10 region even in a single-stranded state. We propose that in addition to its described roles in promoter recognition and start-site melting, σ also localizes the transcription start site.