RNA polymerase (Pol) II transcriptional regulation is an essential process for guiding eukaryotic gene expression. Early in vitro studies deciphered the essential steps for transcription, including recruitment, initiation, elongation and termination. Based on these findings, the idea emerged that Pol II should essentially be located on promoters or genic regions of transcribed genes. The development of in vivo localization protocols has enabled the investigation of genome-wide Pol II occupancy. Recent studies from yeast to human show that Pol II can be poised at the transcription start site or can be located outside of gene-coding regions, sometimes dependent on the growth or differentiation stage. These recent results regarding Pol II genomic location and transcription challenge our classical views of transcriptional regulation.
Genome-wide RNA polymerase II: not genes only!
Koch, F.; Jourquin, F.; Ferrier, P.; Andrau, J. C.
2008
Trends in biochemical sciences
2008-06 / vol 33 / pages 265-73
Abstract
10.1016/j.tibs.2008.04.006
0968-0004 (Print) 0968-0004 (Linking)
Étiquettes
Humans; Transcription, Genetic/*physiology; Animals; RNA Polymerase II/*metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation/*physiology; Genome, Fungal/*physiology; Genome, Human/*physiology; Promoter Regions, Genetic/physiology; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/*metabolism; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/*metabolism