The RNA polymerase II transcription cycle: cycling through chromatin.
The cycle of events that characterizes RNA polymerase II transcription has been the focus of intense study over the past two decades. Our knowledge of the molecular processes leading to transcriptional initiation is greatly improved, and the focus of many recent studies has shifted towards the less well-characterized events taking place after assembly of the pre-initiation complex, such as promoter clearance, elongation, and termination. This review gives a brief overview of the transcription cycle as a whole, focusing especially on selected mechanisms that may drive or restrict the cycle, and on how the presence of chromatin may influence these mechanisms.
Svejstrup
Jesper Q
JQ
Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, Clare Hall Laboratories, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3LD, UK. j.svejstrup@cancer.org.uk
D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D002843:Chromatin; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D012319:RNA Polymerase II