DNA supercoiling-mediated G4/R-loop formation tunes transcription by controlling the access of RNA polymerase.

ABSTRACT: RNA polymerase (RNAP) is a processive motor that modulates DNA supercoiling and reshapes DNA structures. The feedback loop between the DNA topology and transcription remains elusive. Here, we investigate the impact of potential G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) on transcription in response to DNA supercoiling. We find that supercoiled DNA increases transcription frequency 10-fold higher than relaxed DNA, which lead to an abrupt formation of G-quadruplex (G4) and R-loop structures. Moreover, the stable R-loop relieves topological strain, facilitated by G4 formation. The cooperative formation of G4/R-loop effectively alters the DNA topology around the promoter and suppresses transcriptional activity by impeding RNAP loading. These findings highlight negative supercoiling as a built-in spr

SUBMITTER: Hwang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11982182 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature