R loops: from transcription byproducts to threats to genome stability - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

. 2012 Apr 27;46(2):115-24.

doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2012.04.009.

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Review

R loops: from transcription byproducts to threats to genome stability

Andrés Aguilera et al. Mol Cell. 2012.

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Abstract

RNA:DNA hybrid structures known as R loops were thought to be rare byproducts of transcription. In the last decade, however, accumulating evidence has pointed to a new view in which R loops form more frequently, impacting transcription and threatening genome integrity as a source of chromosome fragility and a potential cause of disease. Not surprisingly, cells have evolved mechanisms to prevent cotranscriptional R loop formation. Here we discuss the factors and cellular processes that control R loop formation and the mechanisms by which R loops may influence gene expression and the integrity of the genome.

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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