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Mapping the Structure-Function Relationships of Disordered Oncogenic Transcription Factors Using Transcriptomic Analysis
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Spurious transcription and its impact on cell function

Joseph T Wade1,2, David C Grainger3

  • 1a Wadsworth Center , New York State Department of Health , Albany , NY , USA.

Transcription
|October 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cells use strategies to control RNA polymerase promiscuity, preventing errors that cause growth inhibition and cancer. This research explores how different life forms minimize unwanted transcription.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • RNA polymerases initiate transcription with few sequence restraints, leading to potential errors.
  • Uncontrolled RNA polymerase activity (promiscuity) in vivo impairs cell function across all life domains.
  • Such errors contribute to detrimental effects like prokaryotic growth inhibition and eukaryotic cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and compare cellular strategies for minimizing spurious transcription.
  • To understand the conserved and divergent mechanisms across different life domains.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and comparative analysis of existing research.
  • Discussion of evolutionary strategies in minimizing non-specific transcription.

Main Results:

  • Cells employ diverse mechanisms to regulate RNA polymerase activity and prevent aberrant transcription.
  • Similarities and differences exist in these regulatory strategies across prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and archaea.

Conclusions:

  • Minimizing spurious transcription is crucial for cellular health and preventing disease.
  • Understanding these regulatory strategies offers insights into fundamental biological processes and potential therapeutic targets.
Keywords:
E. coliH-NSRNA polymeraseS. cerevisiaeS. pombecancer

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