Stable DNA opening within open promoter complexes is mediated by the RNA polymerase β′-jaw domain

DNA opening for transcription-competent open promoter complex (OC) formation by the bacterial RNA polymerase ( RNAP) relies upon a complex network of interactions between the structurally conserved and flexible modules of the catalytic beta and beta'-subunits, RNAP-associated sigma-subunit, and the DNA. Here, we show that one such module, the beta'-jaw, functions to stabilize the OC. In OCs formed by the major sigma(70)-RNAP, the stabilizing role of the beta'-jaw is not restricted to any particular melted DNA segment. In contrast, in OCs formed by the major variant sigma(54)-RNAP, the beta'-jaw and a conserved sigma(54) regulatory domain co-operate to stabilize the melted DNA segment immediately upstream of the transcription start site. Clearly, regulated communication between the mobile modules of the RNAP and the functional domain(s) of the sigma subunit is required for stable DNA opening.