DNA supercoiling-mediated collective behavior of co-transcribing RNA polymerases.

ABSTRACT: Multiple RNA polymerases (RNAPs) transcribing a gene have been known to exhibit collective group behavior, causing the transcription elongation rate to increase with the rate of transcription initiation. Such behavior has long been believed to be driven by a physical interaction or 'push' between closely spaced RNAPs. However, recent studies have posited that RNAPs separated by longer distances may cooperate by modifying the DNA segment under transcription. Here, we present a theoretical model incorporating the mechanical coupling between RNAP translocation and the DNA torsional response. Using stochastic simulations, we demonstrate DNA supercoiling-mediated long-range cooperation between co-transcribing RNAPs. We find that inhibiting transcription initiation can slow down the already recr

SUBMITTER: Tripathi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8860607 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature