Abstract
Sen1 of S. cerevisiae is a known component of the NRD complex implicated in transcription termination of nonpolyadenylated as well as some polyadenylated RNA polymerase II transcripts. We now show that Sen1 helicase possesses a wider function by restricting the occurrence of RNA:DNA hybrids that may naturally form during transcription, when nascent RNA hybridizes to DNA prior to its packaging into RNA protein complexes. These hybrids displace the nontranscribed strand and create R loop structures. Loss of Sen1 results in transient R loop accumulation and so elicits transcription-associated recombination. SEN1 genetically interacts with DNA repair genes, suggesting that R loop resolution requires proteins involved in homologous recombination. Based on these findings, we propose that R loop formation is a frequent event during transcription and a key function of Sen1 is to prevent their accumulation and associated genome instability.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 21-32 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Molecular Cell |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Jan 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology