Global unleashing of transcription elongation waves in response to genotoxic stress restricts somatic mutation rate
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ABSTRACT: Complex molecular responses preserve gene expression accuracy and genome integrity in the face of environmental perturbations. Here we report that, in response to UV-irradiation, RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) molecules are dynamically and synchronously released from promoter-proximal regions to promote uniform and accelerated scanning of the whole transcribed genome. The maximised influx of de novo released RNAPII correlates with increased sensing of damaged sites, as confirmed by RNAPII accumulation at dipyrimidine sites and by the average slow-down of elongation rates in gene bodies. By triggering this transcription elongation ‘safe’ mode, endangered cells guarantee an efficient DNA repair regardless of damage location, gene size and transcription level. Accordingly, in clinically-relevant samples we detect low and homogenous rates of mutational signatures associated with UV-irradiation or cigarette-smoke across all active genes. Together, our data highlight a novel functional advantage associated with regulation of promoter-proximal pausing and provide unanticipated insights into the mechanism underlying the central role of active transcription in shaping the mutagenic landscape of cancer genomes.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE83763 | GEO | 2017/11/28
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA326947
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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