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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
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Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
Published on: September 20, 2018
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Controlling gene expression by DNA mechanics: emerging insights and challenges.
David Levens1, Laura Baranello2, Fedor Kouzine2
1Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA. levensd@mail.nih.gov.
Biophysical Reviews
|May 17, 2017
Summary
DNA mechanics significantly influence gene expression control. Understanding how DNA responds to mechanical forces like torsional stress is crucial for a complete model of transcription initiation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Gene expression is precisely regulated at transcription initiation.
- Current models focus on protein-DNA interactions, viewing DNA as passive.
- This overlooks the dynamic mechanical forces influencing transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the under-explored role of DNA mechanics in transcription initiation.
- To highlight the dynamic mechanical forces exerted by molecular motors during transcription.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genomic techniques to map topological stress and conformational DNA variations.
- Analyzed DNA mechanical responses across the mammalian genome.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that DNA mechanical forces, including flexural and torsional stress, impact promoter output.
- Showcased how accumulated stress alters DNA and chromatin structure.
Conclusions:
- DNA mechanics are integral to the control of early transcription events.
- A comprehensive transcription model must account for the generation, transmission, and dissipation of DNA mechanical stresses.
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