The transition from transcriptional initiation to elongation

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2008 Apr;18(2):130-6. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2007.12.008. Epub 2008 Feb 20.

Abstract

Transcription is the first step in gene expression, and its regulation underlies multicellular development and the response to environmental changes. Most studies of transcriptional regulation have focused on the recruitment of RNA polymerase to promoters. However, recent work has shown that, for many promoters, post-recruitment steps in transcriptional initiation are likely to be rate limiting. The rate at which RNA polymerase transitions from transcriptional initiation to elongation varies dramatically between promoters and between organisms and is the target of multiple regulatory proteins that can function to both repress and activate transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Humans
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA Polymerase II