RNA: a double-edged sword in genome maintenance

Nat Rev Genet. 2020 Nov;21(11):651-670. doi: 10.1038/s41576-020-0263-7. Epub 2020 Aug 6.

Abstract

All organisms must safeguard the integrity of their DNA to avoid deleterious consequences of genome instability, which have been linked to human diseases such as autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Traditionally, genome maintenance has been viewed largely in terms of DNA-protein interactions. However, emerging evidence points to RNA as a key modulator of genome stability, with seemingly opposing roles in promoting chromosomal instability and protecting genome integrity. Unravelling the mechanistic and contextual basis of this duality will not only improve our understanding of the interfaces between RNA and the genome but will also provide important insights into how disrupted RNA metabolism contributes to disease origin, laying the foundation for targeted intervention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • DNA Repair
  • Eukaryotic Cells
  • Genome, Human*
  • Genomic Instability*
  • Humans
  • RNA / physiology*
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • Retroelements
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Retroelements
  • RNA
  • RNA Polymerase II
  • Adenosine