regulation of DNA-templated transcription elongation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of transcription elongation, the extension of an RNA molecule after transcription initiation and promoter clearance by the addition of ribonucleotides catalyzed by a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. [GOC:mah, GOC:txnOH]

Regulation of DNA-templated transcription elongation is a complex process that ensures the accurate and efficient synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. It involves the coordinated action of various factors, including RNA polymerase, transcription factors, and chromatin remodelers.

**Initiation:**
- Transcription initiation involves the recruitment of RNA polymerase to the promoter region of a gene and the unwinding of the DNA double helix to expose the template strand.
- General transcription factors (TFs) bind to the promoter and help recruit RNA polymerase.
- Specific transcription factors can regulate gene expression by binding to enhancer or silencer elements, which can be located upstream or downstream of the gene.

**Elongation:**
- Once RNA polymerase is bound to the promoter, it begins to transcribe the DNA template, synthesizing a complementary RNA molecule.
- Elongation is the process of extending the RNA chain, adding nucleotides one at a time in a 5' to 3' direction.
- Elongation is tightly regulated to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
- RNA polymerase encounters obstacles during elongation, including nucleosomes and DNA-binding proteins.
- Several factors contribute to the regulation of elongation:
- **Elongation factors (EFs):** These proteins assist RNA polymerase in moving along the DNA template.
- **Chromatin remodelers:** These enzymes can modify chromatin structure, making the DNA more accessible to RNA polymerase.
- **Transcriptional pausing:** RNA polymerase can pause at certain points during elongation, which can be regulated by pausing factors.
- **RNA processing:** Co-transcriptional modifications, such as capping and splicing, can influence the efficiency and fate of the transcribed RNA.

**Termination:**
- Elongation continues until RNA polymerase reaches a termination signal in the DNA sequence.
- Termination signals trigger the release of the newly synthesized RNA molecule from RNA polymerase and the dissociation of RNA polymerase from the DNA template.

**Regulation of elongation:**
- Elongation can be regulated at multiple levels, including:
- **Transcription factor binding:** Specific transcription factors can modulate elongation by interacting with RNA polymerase or other elongation factors.
- **Post-translational modifications:** Modifications of transcription factors and RNA polymerase can affect their activity and ability to regulate elongation.
- **Chromatin structure:** The organization and modification of chromatin can influence the accessibility of DNA to RNA polymerase and regulate elongation.
- **RNA processing:** Co-transcriptional processing events, such as capping and splicing, can impact elongation efficiency and regulate the fate of the transcribed RNA.

**Overall, the regulation of DNA-templated transcription elongation is a complex and dynamic process that ensures the accurate and efficient synthesis of RNA. It is essential for maintaining cellular function and responding to environmental cues. The coordination of various factors, including RNA polymerase, transcription factors, and chromatin remodelers, plays a critical role in regulating this process.**'
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Proteins (5)

Compounds (23)