Transcriptional interference revisited

The transcriptional interference model suggests that RNA polymerases elongating through overlapping transcription units mutually inhibit transcription and disrupt associated cis-regulatory elements. As a longstanding fundamental concept of gene regulation, the idea of reciprocal inhibition between sense and antisense transcription has been supported by a significant body of research. However, despite the model's biophysical plausibility and historical significance, evidence from large-scale transcriptome studies raises questions about its universal applicability. In particular, the new data indicate that a measurable influence of transcriptional interference is absent from the majority of loci with overlapping transcription. Here we highlight key aspects of overlapping transcription and propose potential solutions to this emerging puzzle. Gaining a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that render loci sensitive or resistant to interference could lead to groundbreaking insights into the biology of gene regulation.