Edited by Sarah A. Woodson, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, and accepted by Editorial Board Member Michael F. Summers March 16, 2021 (received for review November 10, 2020)Transcription–translation coupling is critical for fast and efficient gene expression in many bacteria, yet how coupling between RNA polymerase (RNAP) and ribosome is established and maintained is poorly understood. Combining biochemical and single-molecule fluorescence approaches, we here uncover the roles of nascent mRNA structure and transcription factors in coupling. We find that the inherently paused RNAP...…Edited by Sarah A. Woodson, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, and accepted by Editorial Board Member Michael F. Summers March 16, 2021 (received for review November 10, 2020)Transcription–translation coupling is critical for fast and efficient gene expression in many bacteria, yet how coupling between RNA polymerase (RNAP) and ribosome is established and maintained is poorly understood. Combining biochemical and single-molecule fluorescence approaches, we here uncover the roles of nascent mRNA structure and transcription factors in coupling. We find that the inherently paused RNAP...WW…