Laura Finzi, Ph.D.
Clemson University researchers, led by Laura Finzi, have uncovered the role of mechanical forces in gene transcription, specifically in RNA polymerase (RNAP) activity during termination. While the traditional view holds that RNAP dissociates from DNA after releasing mRNA, the team demonstrated that force can cause RNAP to slide forward or backward on the DNA template. This force-directed recycling allows genes to be transcribed multiple times or only once, affecting gene expression.
Using magnetic tweezers, the researchers found that RNAP’s ability to switch to oppositely oriented promoters relies on the C-terminal domains of its alpha subunits. Deleting these subunits prevents RNAP from flipping to oppositely oriented promoters. Published in Nature Communications, these findings could inform strategies for regulating transcription and suppressing harmful proteins. Finzi envisions a future where a map of forces on the genome helps predict transcription levels across genes and cells. The study was supported by NIH grants.
Credit: David Brandin
Read more here:
Research provides new insights into role of mechanical forces in gene expression | Clemson News
