Researchers gain new insight into DNA replication

New Insight Into DNA Replication

It has long been known that RNA acts as the photocopier for DNA replication. However, until recently this process, known as DNA transcription, was believed to be a one-way street, Now, thanks to studies done by MIT researchers, it seems that the course of action involves both upstream and downstream movement of RNA polymerase.

Prior to the MIT studies, it was believed that DNA transcription resulted from the binding of an RNA polymerase to a specific point on a gene, which in turn copied the sequence and then moved downstream to continue the process. While this all remains true, a 2nd RNA polymerase has now been found to move upstream as well.

Unlike the downstream RNA, the upstream polymerase does not appear to code for proteins, a fundamental necessity in the replication of DNA. So it seems this new set of RNA polymerase does not go on to deliver enzyme and protein production information to messenger RNA.

The purpose of the upstream RNA polymerase, the researchers hypothesize, is that they help keep the point of transcription open so that the gene remains easily accessible for further transcription.

The research team, led by Professor Phillip Sharp, intends to continue their research into the newly discovered phenomenon so they can better understand the role of upstream polymerase in gene regulation.

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