Pol II and its associated epigenetic marks are present at Pol III-transcribed noncoding RNA genes

Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2010 May;17(5):629-34. doi: 10.1038/nsmb.1806. Epub 2010 Apr 25.

Abstract

Epigenetic control is an important aspect of gene regulation. Despite detailed understanding of protein-coding gene expression, the transcription of noncoding RNA genes by RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is less well characterized. Here we profile the epigenetic features of Pol III target genes throughout the human genome. This reveals that the chromatin landscape of Pol III-transcribed genes resembles that of Pol II templates in many ways, although there are also clear differences. Our analysis also uncovered an entirely unexpected phenomenon: namely, that Pol II is present at the majority of genomic loci that are bound by Pol III.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • DNA Polymerase II / genetics*
  • DNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes
  • Genetic Loci
  • Genome, Human*
  • Humans
  • RNA Polymerase III / analysis
  • RNA Polymerase III / genetics*
  • RNA Polymerase III / metabolism

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • RNA Polymerase III
  • DNA Polymerase II

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE20072