Elevated RNA polymerase III transcription drives proliferation and oncogenic transformation

Abstract

RNA polymerase (Pol) III is the largest of the RNA polymerases with seventeen subunits.1 It is responsible for the production of short, untranslated RNAs that play important roles in determining the biosynthetic capacity of the cell. Pol III transcription is generally elevated in transformed cells and tumours; however, it has remained a matter for conjecture as to whether this activation is a cause or consequence of the transformation process. ©2008 Landes Bioscience.