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Review
. 2008 Aug;36(Pt 4):619-24.
doi: 10.1042/BST0360619.

Structure and function of ribosomal RNA gene chromatin

Joanna L Birch  1 , Joost C B M Zomerdijk
Affiliations
Review

Structure and function of ribosomal RNA gene chromatin

Joanna L Birch et al. Biochem Soc Trans. 2008 Aug.

Abstract

Transcription of the major ribosomal RNAs by Pol I (RNA polymerase I) is a key determinant of ribosome biogenesis, driving cell growth and proliferation in eukaryotes. Hundreds of copies of rRNA genes are present in each cell, and there is evidence that the cellular control of Pol I transcription involves adjustments to the number of rRNA genes actively engaged in transcription, as well as to the rate of transcription from each active gene. Chromatin structure is inextricably linked to rRNA gene activity, and the present review highlights recent advances in this area.

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