title: Unravelling the means to an end: RNA polymerase II transcription termination.
abstract: The pervasiveness of RNA synthesis in eukaryotes is largely the result of RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-mediated transcription, and termination of its activity is necessary to partition the genome and maintain the proper expression of neighbouring genes. Despite its ever-increasing biological significance, transcription termination remains one of the least understood processes in gene expression. However, recent mechanistic studies have revealed a striking convergence among several overlapping models of termination, including the poly(A)- and Sen1-dependent pathways, as well as new insights into the specificity of Pol II termination among its diverse gene targets. Broader knowledge of the role of Pol II carboxy-terminal domain phosphorylation in promoting alternative mechanisms of termination has also been gained.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
authors.forename: Jason N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Kuehner
authors.forename: Erika L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D011061:Poly A / Q000235:genetics*; D011485:Protein Binding; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors; D011061:Poly A; D012319:RNA Polymerase II