Measuring dynamics of eukaryotic transcription initiation: Challenges, insights and opportunities

Transcription. 2018;9(3):159-165. doi: 10.1080/21541264.2017.1363017. Epub 2017 Oct 9.

Abstract

Transcription of protein-encoding genes in eukaryotic cells is a dynamically coordinated process. Many of the key transcription regulators contain functionally essential intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), the dynamic nature of which creates extra challenges to traditional biochemical analyses. Recent advances in single-molecule fluorescence imaging technology have enabled direct visualization of these rapid, complex and dynamic molecular interactions in real time.

Keywords: dynamic analysis; fluorescence imaging; intrinsically disordered regions; preinitiation complex; single-molecule; transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Intrinsically Disordered Proteins / analysis
  • Intrinsically Disordered Proteins / metabolism
  • Optical Imaging / methods*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Transcription Factor TFIID / analysis
  • Transcription Factor TFIID / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors, General / analysis
  • Transcription Factors, General / metabolism
  • Transcription Initiation, Genetic*

Substances

  • Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
  • Transcription Factor TFIID
  • Transcription Factors, General