Mechanisms of genome instability induced by RNA-processing defects

Trends Genet. 2014 Jun;30(6):245-53. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2014.03.005. Epub 2014 May 1.

Abstract

The role of normal transcription and RNA processing in maintaining genome integrity is becoming increasingly appreciated in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. Several mutations in RNA biogenesis factors have been implicated in human cancers, but the mechanisms and potential connections to tumor genome instability are not clear. Here, we discuss how RNA-processing defects could destabilize genomes through mutagenic R-loop structures and by altering expression of genes required for genome stability. A compelling body of evidence now suggests that researchers should be directly testing these mechanisms in models of human cancer.

Keywords: R-loops; RNA processing; cancer; genome instability; transcriptome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genomic Instability*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • RNA / chemistry
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA / metabolism
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional*
  • RNA Splicing
  • RNA Stability
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • RNA