Characterizing the Functional Role of Transcription Factor E in Archaeal Transcription

Archaea and eukaryotes share many homologous proteins and essential mechanisms for survival and DNA replication. It is proposed that Archaea are the ancestors of eukaryotes, suggesting that eukaryotic transcription evolved from the basic archaeal mechanisms. By studying the fundamentals of archaeal transcription, we are in turn understanding more about how eukaryotic transcription functions. Many human diseases are linked to mishaps and mutations in the process of transcribing DNA to mRNA, so it is essential to explore structures and how mutations in these structures affect the essential function of transcription, and if these mutations also play a role in human disease.