The non-coding snRNA 7SK controls transcriptional termination, poising, and bidirectionality in embryonic stem cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pluripotency is characterized by a unique transcriptional state, in which lineage-specification genes are poised for transcription upon exposure to appropriate stimuli, via a bivalency mechanism involving the simultaneous presence of activating and repressive methylation marks at promoter-associated histones. Recent evidence suggests that other mechanisms, such as RNA polymerase II pausing, might be operational in this process, but their regulation remains poorly understood.

Results

Here we identify the non-coding snRNA 7SK as a multifaceted regulator of transcription in embryonic stem cells. We find that 7SK represses a specific cohort of transcriptionally poised genes with bivalent or activating chromatin marks in these cells, suggesting a novel poising mechanis

SUBMITTER: Castelo-Branco G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4053805 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature