Transcription regulation by distal enhancers: who's in the loop?

Transcription. 2012 Jul-Aug;3(4):181-6. doi: 10.4161/trns.20720. Epub 2012 Jul 1.

Abstract

Genome-wide chromatin profiling efforts have shown that enhancers are often located at large distances from gene promoters within the noncoding genome. Whereas enhancers can stimulate transcription initiation by communicating with promoters via chromatin looping mechanisms, we propose that enhancers may also stimulate transcription elongation by physical interactions with intronic elements. We review here recent findings derived from the study of the hematopoietic system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Genome
  • Humans
  • Transcription Elongation, Genetic
  • Transcription, Genetic*