[Analysis of the stability and local cooperativity of DNA : elements permitting the recognition of promoters by DNA-dependent RNA polymerase].

Analysis of the local stability of promoters processed by E. Coli RNA polymerase shows that they bear a characteristic stability profile: two segments of low stability are located around --35 and --8 bases ahead of the transcription start and are generally bordered by more stable segments. This key profile may act as a recognition signal for both attracting and positioning the RNA polymerase in the promoter site.