title: R loops: from transcription byproducts to threats to genome stability.
abstract: RNA:DNA hybrid structures known as R loops were thought to be rare byproducts of transcription. In the last decade, however, accumulating evidence has pointed to a new view in which R loops form more frequently, impacting transcription and threatening genome integrity as a source of chromosome fragility and a potential cause of disease. Not surprisingly, cells have evolved mechanisms to prevent cotranscriptional R loop formation. Here we discuss the factors and cellular processes that control R loop formation and the mechanisms by which R loops may influence gene expression and the integrity of the genome.
authors.affiliation: CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, Av. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain. aguilo@us.es
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aguilera
authors.forename: Tatiana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: García-Muse
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D053960:DNA Breaks; D004261:DNA Replication; D042822:Genomic Instability; D008957:Models, Genetic; D016296:Mutagenesis; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA