When machines get stuck--obstructed RNA polymerase II: displacement, degradation or suicide.
The severe hereditary progeroid disorder Cockayne syndrome is a consequence of a defective transcription-coupled repair (TCR) pathway. This special mode of DNA repair aids a RNA polymerase that is stalled by a DNA lesion in the template and ensures efficient DNA repair to permit resumption of transcription and prevent cell death. Although some key players in TCR, such as the Cockayne syndrome A (CSA) and B (CSB) proteins have been identified, the exact molecular mechanism still remains illusive. A recent report provides new unexpected insights into TCR in yeast. The identification and characterisation of a novel protein co-purifying with the yeast homologue of CSB (Rad26) imposes reassessment of our current understanding of TCR in yeast. What about humans?
van den Boom
Vincent
V
Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical Genetic Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Jaspers
Nicolaas G J
NG
Vermeulen
Wim
W
D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / Q000378:metabolism; D004260:DNA Repair; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D029702:Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; C451742:DEF1 protein, S cerevisiae; D005656:Fungal Proteins; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; D029702:Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins; C088086:rad26 protein, S pombe; D012319:RNA Polymerase II