Work

Distant Activation of Transcription: Mechanisms of Enhancer Action

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Enhancers are regulatory DNA sequences that activate transcription over long distances. Recent studies revealed a widespread role of distant activation in eukaryotic gene regulation and in development of various human diseases, including cancer. Genomic and gene-targeted studies of enhancer action revealed novel mechanisms of transcriptional activation over a distance. They include formation of stable, inactive DNA-protein complexes at the enhancer and target promoter before activation, facilitated distant communication by looping of the spacer chromatin-covered DNA, and promoter activation by mechanisms that are different from classic recruiting. These studies suggest the similarity between the looping mechanisms involved in enhancer action on DNA in bacteria and in chromatin of higher organisms.

Source: Molecular and Cellular Biology

DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01127-12

Authors: Olga I. Kulaeva, Ekaterina V. Nizovtseva, Yury S. Polikanov, Sergei V. Ulianov, Vasily M. Studitsky

Institution: Lomonosov Moscow State University

Language: English

Topic: Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Science Foundation, Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences