Mechanism that coordinates DNA replication and transcription activities in human ribosomal RNA gene

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26840114
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Genetics/Chromosome dynamics
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo (2015-2017); National Institute of Genetics (2014)
• Principal Investigator: Akamatsu Yufuko 東京大学, 分子細胞生物学研究所, 助教 (50381661)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: リボソームRNA遺伝子 / DNA複製 / ゲノム安定性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In S phase, the replication and transcription of genomic DNA need to accommodate each other, otherwise their machineries collide, with chromosomal instability as a possible consequence. The ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) is the most actively transcribed gene in human cells and the activity is high during S phase. To understand how the collision between rDNA transcription and replication is prevented, the role of replication fork barrier (RFB) was investigated. We found that the Sal-box elements that are able to terminate rDNA transcription were the cis elements for the RFB activity. When fork arrests at these sites failed, rDNA transcription impedes replication fork progression. These results reveal a role of RFB for coordinating the progression of replication and transcription activity in highly transcribed rDNA.

Free Research Field

分子生物学