Transcription by RNA polymerase III: more complex than we thought

Nat Rev Genet. 2011 May 4;12(7):459-63. doi: 10.1038/nrg3001.

Abstract

RNA polymerase (Pol) III is highly specialized for the production of short non-coding RNAs. Once considered to be under relatively simple controls, recent studies using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) have revealed unexpected levels of complexity for Pol III regulation, including substantial cell-type selectivity and intriguing overlap with Pol II transcription. Here I describe these novel insights and consider their implications and the questions that remain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Organ Specificity / genetics
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • RNA Polymerase II / physiology
  • RNA Polymerase III / metabolism
  • RNA Polymerase III / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic / physiology*

Substances

  • Histones
  • RNA Polymerase II
  • RNA Polymerase III