Bidirectional Gene Promoters: Transcription system and chromosomal structure

Recent studies have shown that a number of genes are head-head orientated with other genes or non-coding RNAs, which are referred to as bi-directional promoters. These promoters are thought to have a key role in biological regulatory mechanisms, and the expression of regulatory element-containing 5-upstream regions of gene pairs is known as bi-directional promoters. Surveillance of the human DNA database has revealed that the numbers of DNA repair/mitochondrial function/immune response-associated genes are bound with other genes that are transcribed to opposite direction, which may encourage us to investigate the molecular mechanisms how these genes are regulated by bidirectional promoters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

Recent studies in human genetics and in silico analyses have uncovered intriguing insights into the organization of genes within the human genome. These studies have revealed that a significant number of genes are head-to-head oriented with other genes or non-coding RNAs. The expression of regulatory element-containing 5-upstream regions of gene pairs, known as bi-directional promoters, is believed to play a crucial role in biological regulatory mechanisms.

For instance, the tumor suppressor protein-encoding genes TP53 and BRCA1 are tightly bound to WRAP53 and NBR2, respectively. Similarly, the genes encoding DNA-repair factors ATM and PRKDC (DNA-PKcs) have bidirectional partner genes NPAT and MCM4, respectively. Surveillance of the human DNA database has revealed that these DNA repair/mitochondrial function/immune response-associated genes are bound with other genes that are transcribed in opposite directions. These observations provide compelling evidence for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms that govern the regulation of these genes by bidirectional promoters.

It is worth noting that not only protein-coding genes, but also a significant number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which play vital roles in various cellular processes, are transcribed under the regulation of bidirectional promoters. Moreover, it is well established that dysregulation in the promoter activity and transcription initiation of genes can lead to various human diseases. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying bidirectional promoter regulation is of utmost importance in advancing our understanding of gene expression and its role in human health and disease.

Dimension: 235 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128187876