lncRNA–DNA hybrids regulate distant genes

lnc RNA s actively regulate gene expression. They contribute to chromosomal interactions at close or distant genomic regions, which, in turn, regulate transcription [1]. Ariel et al [2] reveal in a recent study a new molecular mechanism of the Arabidopsis lnc RNA APOLO . The authors extend previously reported functions of APOLO in cis ‐regulation of chromosomal looping and transcription of its neighbor gene to a set of distant genes involved in auxin‐induced molecular pathways controlling lateral root development. Noteworthy, APOLO recognition of multiple trans ‐modulated targets occurs through a novel mechanism involving R‐loop formation.