What is "sigma factor"

A sigma factor (σ factor) is a protein needed only for initiation of RNA synthesis. It is a bacterial transcription initiation factor that enables specific binding of RNA polymerase to gene promoters. The specific sigma factor used to initiate transcription of a given gene will vary, depending on the gene and on the environmental signals needed to initiate transcription of that gene.

Every molecule of RNA polymerase holoenzyme contains exactly one sigma factor subunit, which in the model bacterium Escherichia coli is one of those listed below. The number of sigma factors varies between bacterial species. E. coli has seven sigma factors. Sigma factors are distinguished by their characteristic molecular weights. For example, σ refers to the sigma factor with a molecular weight of 70 kDa.

RNA polymerase holoenzyme complex consisting of core RNA polymerase and a sigma factor executes transcription of a DNA template strand. Once initiation of RNA transcription is complete, the sigma factor can leave the complex.