Transcription factors interact with RNA to regulate genes. Mol Cell. 2023 07 20; 83(14):2449-2463.e13.

Citation

Oksuz O, Henninger JE, Warneford-Thomson R, Zheng MM, Erb H, Vancura A, Overholt KJ, Hawken SW, Banani SF, Lauman R, Reich LN, Robertson AL, Hannett NM, Lee TI, Zon LI, Bonasio R, Young RA. 2023. Transcription factors interact with RNA to regulate genes. Molecular cell. 83(14):2449-2463.e13. Pubmed: 37402367 DOI:S1097-2765(23)00434-3

Abstract

Transcription factors (TFs) orchestrate the gene expression programs that define each cell's identity. The canonical TF accomplishes this with two domains, one that binds specific DNA sequences and the other that binds protein coactivators or corepressors. We find that at least half of TFs also bind RNA, doing so through a previously unrecognized domain with sequence and functional features analogous to the arginine-rich motif of the HIV transcriptional activator Tat. RNA binding contributes to TF function by promoting the dynamic association between DNA, RNA, and TF on chromatin. TF-RNA interactions are a conserved feature important for vertebrate development and disrupted in disease. We propose that the ability to bind DNA, RNA, and protein is a general property of many TFs and is fundamental to their gene regulatory function.

Related Faculty

Leonard Zon, M.D.

Zon Lab

The Zon laboratory aims to dissect how assaults to the hematopoietic system cause severe diseases such as leukemias, lymphomas, and anemias. They investigate hematopoietic development and disease using chemical screens, genetic screens, and analysis of novel transgenic lines in zebrafish.