RNAi hushes heterochromatin.
Repeated DNA elements and region-specific protein modifications combine within chromosomes to form a transcriptionally silent chromatin structure called heterochromatin. Recent work in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe reveals that RNA is also an integral component of silent heterochromatin, providing a new perspective on how heterochromatin is organized and maintained in eukaryotic cells.
Bailis
Julie M
JM
Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Forsburg
Susan L
SL
D000818:Animals; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006570:Heterochromatin / Q000235:genetics*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D016372:RNA, Antisense / Q000235:genetics*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering
D006570:Heterochromatin; D016372:RNA, Antisense; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering