A role for DNA sequence in controlling the spatial organization of the genome

Recruitment of genes to the nuclear periphery upon transcriptional activation is a common phenomenon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have recently identified DNA elements called gene recruitment sequences (GRSs) in the promoters of genes that are recruited to the nuclear periphery. These elements are necessary for peripheral targeting of genes. GRSs also function as DNA zip codes: they are sufficient to target an ectopic locus to the nuclear periphery. Targeting promotes full transcription and involves the interaction of promoters with the Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC). GRSs are widespread across the yeast genome, and are enriched in the promoters of genes induced by protein folding stress. Here, we place these observations in the context of the more global topic of genome organization and speculate about how the position of genes impacts their expression.