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Enhancer transcription: what, where, when, and why?
Nathaniel D Tippens1,2, Anniina Vihervaara1, John T Lis1,2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Genes & Development
|February 15, 2018
Summary
New research reveals that enhancers and promoters share similar transcriptional mechanisms in Drosophila. Enhancer transcription is coordinated by specific factors but exhibits faster termination, supporting a unified model of gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Recent discoveries show widespread enhancer transcription, blurring the lines between enhancers and promoters.
- Previously, enhancers and promoters were considered distinct in their transcriptional roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transcriptional nature of promoters and enhancers in Drosophila.
- To elucidate the mechanisms coordinating enhancer transcription and its relationship with promoter activity.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of transcriptional activity in Drosophila promoters and enhancers.
- Investigation of the roles of SPT5 and P-TEFb in enhancer transcription.
- Examination of the association between bidirectional promoter transcription and enhancer activity.
Main Results:
- Active enhancers drive local transcription using mechanisms similar to promoters.
- Enhancer transcription is coordinated by SPT5 and P-TEFb, involving pause-release.
- Enhancers exhibit shorter pause half-life and more rapid termination than promoters.
- Bidirectional transcription from promoters correlates with enhancer activity.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a model where regulatory elements exist on a spectrum of promoter-ness and enhancer-ness.
- A unified model is proposed to explain the functional significance of transcription at enhancers.
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