Defining the Transcriptional Ecosystem

Fine tuning of the transcriptional program requires the competing action of multiple protein complexes in a well-organized environment. Genome folding creates proximity between genes, leading to accumulation of regulatory factors and formation of local microenvironments. Many roles of this complex organization controlling gene transcription remain to be explored. In this Perspective, we are proposing the existence of a transcriptional ecosystem equilibrium: a mechanism balancing transcriptional regulation between connected genes during environmental disturbances. This model is derived from chromosome architecture studies assigning genes to specific DNA structures and evidence establishing that the transcription machinery and coregulators create dynamic phase separation droplets surrounding active genes. Defining connected genes as ecosystems rather than individuals will cement that transcriptional regulation is a biochemical equilibrium and force a reassessment of direct and indirect responses to environmental disturbances.