positive regulation of DNA-templated transcription, elongation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that activates or increases 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]

Positive regulation of DNA-templated transcription, elongation is a fundamental biological process that governs the rate and efficiency of gene expression. It involves a complex interplay of regulatory factors that modulate the activity of RNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for transcribing DNA into RNA. This process is essential for the precise control of gene expression, ensuring that the appropriate levels of proteins are produced at the right time and place.

Several key steps are involved in the positive regulation of DNA-templated transcription, elongation:

1. **Initiation complex formation:** The process begins with the assembly of an initiation complex at the promoter region of a gene. This complex consists of RNA polymerase, general transcription factors, and specific regulatory proteins that bind to the promoter and recruit RNA polymerase to the transcription start site.
2. **Transcription initiation:** Once the initiation complex is assembled, RNA polymerase begins to unwind the DNA double helix and initiate transcription. This step involves the synthesis of the first few nucleotides of the RNA transcript.
3. **Elongation complex formation:** As transcription progresses, the RNA polymerase molecule shifts from the initiation complex to an elongation complex. This complex consists of RNA polymerase, the growing RNA transcript, and a variety of accessory proteins that regulate elongation.
4. **Elongation factors:** Elongation factors play a critical role in regulating the rate and efficiency of transcription elongation. These proteins can interact with RNA polymerase, the DNA template, or the growing RNA transcript, influencing the processivity and stability of the transcription complex.
5. **Post-transcriptional modifications:** Once transcription is complete, the newly synthesized RNA transcript undergoes a series of post-transcriptional modifications, including capping, splicing, and polyadenylation. These modifications are essential for the stability and translation of the RNA molecule.

Positive regulation of DNA-templated transcription, elongation can be achieved through a variety of mechanisms, including:

* **Binding of transcription activators:** Activator proteins bind to specific DNA sequences called enhancers, which can be located upstream, downstream, or even within the gene. Binding of activators can enhance the recruitment of RNA polymerase to the promoter or facilitate the transition from initiation to elongation.
* **Phosphorylation of RNA polymerase:** Phosphorylation of specific amino acid residues within RNA polymerase can alter its activity and promote elongation.
* **Chromatin remodeling:** The structure of chromatin, the complex of DNA and proteins that packages the genome, can influence transcription. Chromatin remodeling factors can modify the accessibility of DNA to RNA polymerase, facilitating transcription initiation and elongation.
* **RNA polymerase pausing and release:** RNA polymerase can pause at specific sites during elongation, potentially allowing for the recruitment of additional factors that regulate transcription.
* **Non-coding RNAs:** Small non-coding RNAs can regulate transcription by interacting with RNA polymerase or other transcription factors.

The regulation of DNA-templated transcription, elongation is a highly dynamic and intricate process that is influenced by a wide range of factors. Understanding this process is crucial for unraveling the mechanisms that govern gene expression and cellular function.'
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Proteins (4)

Compounds (112)