Modifications and interactions at the R-loop

DNA Repair (Amst). 2020 Dec:96:102958. doi: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102958. Epub 2020 Sep 12.

Abstract

R-loops are tripartite structures consisting of an RNA:DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA [1]. They are widespread and occupy up to 5 % of the mammalian genomes [2]. R-loops have a key role in genome stability, and known functions associated with gene regulation, DNA replication, chromatin patterning, immunoglobuline gene recombination and DNA Double-strand break repair [3-7]. Novel methodology, including the application of the S9.6 antibody, have more recently led to detailed knowledge on the genome-wide distribution of the R-loops as well as the identification of the R-loop interactome [8-10]. The regulation of R-loops was recently shown to also depend on dynamic RNA-methylation, including METTL3/14 dependent 6-methylAdenines (m6As) and METTL8 dependent 3-methylCytosines (m3Cs) [11-13].

Keywords: DNA repair; Genome stability; Interactome; Methylation; R-loop; RNA.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • DNA Repair*
  • DNA Replication
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genomic Instability
  • Humans
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • R-Loop Structures*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Methyltransferases
  • METTL3 protein, human