Photoaffinity labeling of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from Escherichia coli with 8-azidoadenosine 5'-triphosphate

A photoaffinity analogue of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), 8-azidoadenosine 5'-triphosphate (8-N3ATP), has been used to elucidate the role of the various subunits involved in forming the active site of Escherichia coli DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. 8-N3ATP was found to be a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme with respect to the incorporation of ATP with Ki = 42 microM, while uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) incorporation was not affected. UV irradiation of the reaction mixture containing RNA polymerase and gamma-32P-8-N3ATP induced covalent incorporation of radioactive label into the enzyme. Analysis by gel filtration and nitrocellulose filter binding indicated specific binding. Subunit analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium tetradecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and autoradiography of the labeled enzyme showed that the major incorporation of radioactive label was in beta' and sigma, with minor incorporation in beta and alpha. The same pattern was observed in both the presence and absence of polyd(A-T) and polyd(A-T) plus ApU. Incorporation of radioactive label in all bands was significantly reduced by 100-150 microM ATP, while 100-200 microM UTP did not show a noticeable effect. Our results indicate major involvement of the beta' and sigma subunits in the active site of RNA polymerase. The observation of a small extent of labeling of the beta and alpha subunits, which was prevented by saturating levels of ATP, suggests that these subunits are in close proximity to the catalytic site.