The Promoter-Proximal Pause: A Decision Point Governing RNA Polymerase II Fate
Abstract
A signature feature of transcription on most genes in multicellular animals is that RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) piles up approximately 50 bases downstream of the start site at the promoter-proximal pause (PPP). Promoter-proximal pausing is controlled by positive and negative elongation factors that associate with RNAPII. There are two major outcomes for promoter-proximally paused RNAPII complexes: release into the gene body and premature termination. Here we discuss how RNAPII dynamics at the PPP function in a quality control checkpoint and in regulation of RNAPII flux through genes. We propose a pause release-attenuation model to describe RNAPII dynamics at the PPP.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics
RNA Research and Splicing
Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Annual Review of Biochemistry
- Publisher
- Annual Reviews
- Volume
- 95
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 221–246
- Publication date
- 20 March 2026
- Language
- EN