Chromatin measurements reveal contributions of synthesis and decay to steady-state mRNA levels.

ABSTRACT: Messenger RNA levels in eukaryotes are controlled by multiple consecutive regulatory processes, which can be classified into two layers: primary transcriptional regulation at the chromosomal level and secondary, co- and post-transcriptional regulation of the mRNA. To identify the individual contribution of these layers to steady-state RNA levels requires separate quantification. Using mouse as a model organism, we show that chromatin features are sufficient to model RNA levels but with different sensitivities in dividing versus postmitotic cells. In both cases, chromatin-derived transcription rates explain over 80% of the observed variance in measured RNA levels. Further inclusion of measurements of mRNA half-life and microRNA expression data enabled the identification of a low quantitativ

SUBMITTER: Tippmann SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3421439 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature