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R-loops: formation, function, and relevance to cell stress

David F Allison1,2, Gang Greg Wang1,2

  • 1Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.

Cell Stress
|June 22, 2019
PubMed

Insights

R-loops, DNA-RNA hybrids, form during transcription and impact gene regulation. Their dysregulation causes cellular stress and disease, offering therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Genomic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) exposure during transcription/replication can form secondary structures.
  • Cells utilize topoisomerases, helicases, and protein complexes to manage ssDNA.
  • DNA-RNA hybrids, or R-loops, are naturally occurring structures crucial for homeostasis but can also cause stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding R-loop biology.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms of R-loop formation and removal.
  • To discuss the role of R-loops in cellular stress and disease, particularly cancer.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current research on R-loop dynamics.
  • It examines emerging methodologies for R-loop detection and analysis.
  • The review integrates findings from various studies on R-loop regulation and function.

Main Results:

  • R-loops form at GC-rich regions and are involved in gene expression regulation and telomere lengthening.
  • Replication-transcription conflicts can lead to R-loop-associated cellular stress.
  • Accumulation of R-loops is linked to diseases, including cancer.

Conclusions:

  • R-loops play dual roles in cellular processes, acting as both regulatory elements and sources of stress.
  • Targeting R-loop regulatory pathways presents a promising therapeutic strategy for stress-related diseases.
  • Further research into R-loop biology is essential for developing novel interventions.
Keywords:
DNA damageR-loopsRNA-DNA hybridataxiacancerchromatin modificationgene transcriptiongenome instabilitymRNA splicingreplication fork stalling

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