Transcription of mRNA-type long non-coding RNAs (mlonRNAs) disrupts chromatin array

Abstract

Eukaryotic transcriptome analyses have revealed that many transcripts are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). In addition, most relatively large (̃several kb) polyadenylated mRNA type transcripts are transcribed from regions harboring little coding potential. However the role of such mRNA type long ncRNAs (mlonRNAs) is mostly unknown and has been a matter of debate. Recently, we showed that cascade of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-mediated transcriptional initiation of mlonRNA causes stepwise disruption of local chromatin array at the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe fbp1+ promoter region. Here, we hypothesize that RNAPII transcription of mlonRNA disrupt chromatin array possibly collaborating with histone acetylation mechanism. In addition, conserved action of Atfl, a transcriptional activator and Tup 11-Tup l2 corepressors along mlonRNA transcription mediated chromatin regulation is suggested. This idea provides new insight into the biological meaning of mlonRNAs found in various eukaryotes. ©2009 Landes Bioscience.