Boundaries. Boundaries...Boundaries???
One way to modulate transcription is by partitioning the chromatin fiber within the nucleus into the active or inactive domains through the establishment of higher-order chromatin structure. Such subdivision of chromatin implies the existence of insulators and boundaries that delimit differentially regulated chromosomal loci. Recently published data on transcriptional interference from the repeated component of the genome fits the classic definition of insulator/boundary activity. This review discusses the phenomena of transcriptional interference and raises the question about functionality of genomic "junk" along with the need to stimulate a dialogue on how we would define the insulators and boundaries in the light of contemporary data. Rule 19 (a) (Boundaries)"Before the toss, the umpires shall agree the boundary of the field of play with both captains. The boundary shall, if possible, be marked along its whole length" Rules of Cricket.
Buck Institute for Age Research, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA 94945, United States. vlunyak@buckinstitute.org
Victoria V
VV
Lunyak
D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics*; D022004:Chromosome Structures / Q000235:genetics*; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D040481:Genome Components / Q000235:genetics*; D006570:Heterochromatin / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D050436:Regulatory Elements, Transcriptional / Q000235:genetics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*
D002843:Chromatin; D006570:Heterochromatin; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases