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A model for the topology of active ribosomal RNA genes
Author(s) -
Denissov Serguei,
Lessard Frédéric,
Mayer Christine,
Stefanovsky Victor,
van Driel Marc,
Grummt Ingrid,
Moss Tom,
Stunnenberg Hendrik G
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1038/embor.2011.8
Subject(s) - ribosomal rna , gene , biology , genetics , 23s ribosomal rna , rna , topology (electrical circuits) , ribosomal protein , computational biology , 5.8s ribosomal rna , chromatin , ribosome , mathematics , combinatorics
The Christmas tree view of active ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes suggests a gene topology in which a large number of nascent rRNA transcripts are prevented from intertwining. The way in which this is achieved has remained unclear. By using a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation and chromosome conformation capture techniques, we show that the promoter, upstream region and terminator R3 of active rRNA genes are held together spatially throughout the cell cycle, forming a stable core around which the transcribed region is organized. We suggest a new core–helix model for the topology of rRNA genes, that provides a structural basis for the productive synthesis or rRNA.