CFAP20 salvages arrested RNAPII from the path of co-directional replisomes.

ABSTRACT: Fine-tuning DNA replication and transcription is crucial to prevent collisions between their machineries¹. This is particularly important near promoters, where RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) initiates transcription and frequently arrests, forming R-loops^2-4. Arrested RNAPII can obstruct DNA replication, which often initiates near promoters^5,6. The mechanisms that rescue arrested RNAPII during elongation to avoid conflicts with co-directional replisomes remain unclear. Here, using genome-wide approaches and genetic screens, we identify CFAP20 as part of a protective pathway that salvages arrested RNAPII in promoter-proximal regions, diverting it from the path of co-directional replisomes. CFAP20-deficient cells accumulate R-loops near promoters, which leads to d

SUBMITTER: Uruci S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12935552 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature