RNA pol σ 70 Inhibitors

The chemical class of RNA Polymerase σ70 Inhibitors, while not directly targeting σ70, focuses on influencing the overall function of bacterial RNA polymerase, with which σ70 interacts. Sigma factors like σ70 are essential for the initiation of transcription in bacteria, guiding RNA polymerase to specific promoter regions on the DNA. The inhibitors listed predominantly target different subunits or functional domains of bacterial RNA polymerase. For instance, Rifampicin and its derivative Rifaximin bind to the β subunit of RNA polymerase, inhibiting the elongation phase of RNA synthesis. Since σ70 is involved in the initiation phase, the inhibition of RNA polymerase elongation indirectly affects σ70 function.

Other compounds, such as Streptolydigin and Myxopyronin, target the β' subunit or the switch region of RNA polymerase, respectively. These inhibitors can hinder the transcription process, which indirectly impacts the function of σ70 in transcription initiation. Compounds like Sorangicin A and Lipiarmycin also target RNA polymerase, leading to a similar indirect effect on σ70. Understanding the role of these inhibitors is significant in the context of antibacterial research and drug development. Bacterial transcription machinery, especially the RNA polymerase-σ70 interaction, is a crucial target for antibiotic development due to its central role in gene expression and bacterial survival. While the direct impact on σ70 is not the primary action of these chemicals, their influence on the RNA polymerase complex provides insight into broader bacterial transcriptional regulation mechanisms.