Work

Traffic patrol in the transcription of ribosomal RNA

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is essential for fast cell growth and rRNA transcription is typically characterized by dense traffic of RNA polymerases along the rRNA genes. However, dense traffic is susceptible to traffic jams which may arise inevitably due to stochastic pausing of the polymerases. Based on recent theoretical and experimental results, we suggest that the "traffic viewpoint" provides a unique perspective towards understanding the control of ribosome synthesis in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells.

Source: RNA Biology

DOI: 10.4161/rna.6.4.8952

Authors: Stefan Klumpp, Terence Hwa

Institutions: University of California San Diego, Center for Theoretical Biological Physics

Language: English

Topic: RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze