DNA Processing in the Context of Noncoding Transcription

Abstract

RNA polymerase (RNAP)II frequently transcribes non-protein-coding DNA sequences in eukaryotic genomes into long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). Distinct molecular mechanisms linked to the position of lncRNA relative to the coding gene illustrate how noncoding transcription controls gene expression. Here, we focus on the impact of the act of lncRNA transcription on nearby functional DNA units. We review the biological significance of the act of lncRNA transcription on DNA processing, highlighting common themes, such as mediating cellular responses to environmental changes. This review combines the background of chromatin signaling with examples in several organisms to clarify when functions of ncDNA can be interpreted through the act of RNAPII transcription.

Keywords: DNA processing; RNA polymerase II transcription; antisense transcription; gene regulation; long noncoding RNA; tandem transcriptional interference.