Transcription-induced DNA supercoiling: New roles of intranucleosomal DNA loops in DNA repair and transcription

Transcription. 2016 May 26;7(3):91-5. doi: 10.1080/21541264.2016.1182240. Epub 2016 Apr 26.

Abstract

RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription through chromatin is accompanied by formation of small intranucleosomal DNA loops. Pol II captured within a small loop drives accumulation of DNA supercoiling, facilitating further transcription. DNA breaks relieve supercoiling and induce Pol II arrest, allowing detection of DNA damage hidden in chromatin structure.

Keywords: DNA repair; DNA supercoiling; RNA polymerase II; chromatin; elongation; intermediates; intranucleosomal DNA loops; mechanism; nucleosome; single strand DNA breaks; structure; transcription.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair*
  • Humans
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • DNA
  • RNA Polymerase II