Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
Published on: September 20, 2018
The function of actin in gene transcription
A Obrdlik1, A Kukalev, P Percipalle
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Nobel Institute, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Recent developments in the field of gene transcription regulation have unfolded a key role for actin as an important co-factor for all three eukaryotic RNA polymerases. In this review article we discuss the latest findings on actin in transcription of protein-coding and ribosomal genes, in complex with specific hnRNP proteins and a form of myosin 1beta which is entirely localized to the cell nucleus. Based on these recent studies, we propose a general model where actin may function in basal gene transcription as an allosteric regulator, to recruit transcriptional co-activators on active genes. A future challenge will be the identification of the polymerization state of actin in gene transcription and how it is mechanistically regulated.
Related Concept Videos
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Introduction to Actin
Eukaryotic Transcription Activators
The binding domains are capable of recognizing and interacting with regulatory sequences on the DNA. These domains are...
RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins
RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins
Co-activators and Co-repressors

