Structure of the Rho Transcription Terminator: Mechanism of mRNA Recognition and Helicase Loading

In bacteria, one of the major transcriptional termination mechanisms requires a RNA/DNA helicase known as the Rho factor. We have determined two structures of Rho complexed with nucleic acid recognition site mimics in both free and nucleotide bound states to 3.0 Å resolution. Both structures show that Rho forms a hexameric ring in which two RNA binding sites—a primary one responsible for target mRNA recognition and a secondary one required for mRNA translocation and unwinding—point toward the center of the ring. Rather than forming a closed ring, the Rho hexamer is split open, resembling a “lock washer” in its global architecture. The distance between subunits at the opening is sufficiently wide (12 Å) to accommodate single-stranded RNA. This open configuration most likely resembles a state poised to load onto mRNA and suggests how related ring-shaped enzymes may be breached to bind nucleic acids.