Enhancer RNAs: the new molecules of transcription

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2014 Apr:25:38-42. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2013.11.017. Epub 2014 Jan 28.

Abstract

In the past few years, technological advances in nucleotide sequencing have culminated in a greater understanding of the complexity of the human transcriptome. Notably, the discovery that distal regulatory elements known as enhancers are transcribed and such enhancer-derived transcripts (eRNAs) serve a critical function in transcriptional activation has added a new dimension to transcriptional regulation. Here we review recent insights into the tissue-specific and temporal-specific gene regulation brought about by the discovery of eRNAs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic
  • Humans
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Transcriptional Activation

Substances

  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • RNA