Regulation of chromatin structure and cell fate by R-loops

Transcription. 2016 Aug 7;7(4):121-6. doi: 10.1080/21541264.2016.1198298. Epub 2016 Jun 21.

Abstract

Hybridization of RNA to its template DNA strand during transcription induces formation of R-loops-RNA:DNA hybrids with unpaired non-template DNA strands. Although unresolved R-loops can be detrimental, some R-loops contribute to regulation of chromatin structure. Consequently, R-loops help regulate gene expression and play important roles in numerous cellular processes.

Keywords: R-loops; chromatin; embryonic stem cells; nucleosome; pluripotency.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Pairing
  • Chromatin / genetics*
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Methylation
  • Mutation
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA / chemistry
  • RNA / genetics*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Histones
  • RNA
  • DNA