Modifications and interactions at the R-loop

Abstract

R-loops are tripartite structures consisting of an RNA:DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA [1]. They are widespread and occupy up to 5 % of the mammalian genomes [2]. R-loops have a key role in genome stability, and known functions associated with gene regulation, DNA replication, chromatin patterning, immunoglobuline gene recombination and DNA Double-strand break repair [3-7]. Novel methodology, including the application of the S9.6 antibody, have more recently led to detailed knowledge on the genome-wide distribution of the R-loops as well as the identification of the R-loop interactome [8-10]. The regulation of R-loops was recently shown to also depend on dynamic RNA-methylation, including METTL3/14 dependent 6-methylAdenines (m⁶As) and METTL8 dependent 3-methylCytosines (m³Cs) [11-13].

Keywords: DNA repair; Genome stability; Interactome; Methylation; R-loop; RNA.