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Human transaldolase-associated repetitive elements are transcribed by RNA polymerase III
A Perl1, E Colombo, E Samoilova
1Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, and Pathology, State University of New York Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA. perla@vax.cs.hscsyr.edu
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|March 4, 2000
Summary
Transaldolase-associated repetitive elements (TAREs) were found in human DNA. These repetitive elements are transcribed by RNA polymerase III, potentially shaping the human genome.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Repetitive elements are significant components of eukaryotic genomes.
- The functional role and origin of many repetitive sequences remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize repetitive elements associated with the human transaldolase gene.
- To investigate the transcriptional activity and mechanism of these repetitive elements.
Main Methods:
- DNA isolation and sequencing.
- Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR for transcript detection.
- In vitro transcription assays with RNA polymerase inhibitors (alpha-amanitin, tagetitoxin).
Main Results:
- Identified transaldolase-associated repetitive elements (TAREs) in human DNA.
- Detected nonpolyadenylated TARE transcripts, including a dominant 1085-nucleotide TARE-6.
- TARE-6 contains Alu elements and is transcribed by RNA polymerase III, independent of the transaldolase gene orientation.
- TAREs are flanked by TA target site duplications.
Conclusions:
- RNA polymerase III-mediated transcription of TAREs may contribute to the generation of repetitive elements.
- These elements could play a role in shaping the human genome by integrating into or influencing distinct genes.