Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA.
Trends Cell Biol. 2010 Jan;20(1):52-61. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2009.10.004. Epub 2009 Dec 11.
The expression of protein-coding genes is enhanced by the exquisite coupling of transcription by RNA polymerase II with pre-messenger RNA processing reactions, such as 5'-end capping, splicing and 3'-end formation. Integration between cotranscriptional processing events extends beyond the nucleus, as proteins that bind cotranscriptionally can affect the localization, translation and degradation of the mature messenger RNA. MicroRNAs are RNA polymerase II transcripts with crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression. Recent data demonstrate that processing of primary microRNA transcripts might be yet another cotranscriptional event that is woven into this elaborate nuclear network. This review discusses the extensive molecular interactions that couple the earliest steps in gene expression and therefore influence the final fate and function of the mature messenger RNA or microRNA produced.
蛋白质编码基因的表达是通过 RNA 聚合酶 II 进行转录与前信使 RNA 加工反应（如 5'端加帽、剪接和 3'端形成）的精细偶联来增强的。共转录加工事件之间的整合延伸到了细胞核之外，因为结合共转录的蛋白质可以影响成熟信使 RNA 的定位、翻译和降解。microRNA 是 RNA 聚合酶 II 的转录本，在基因表达调控中起着至关重要的作用。最近的数据表明，初级 microRNA 转录本的加工可能是另一个共转录事件，它被编织到这个精细的核网络中。本文讨论了广泛的分子相互作用，这些相互作用将基因表达的最初步骤联系起来，从而影响成熟信使 RNA 或产生的 microRNA 的最终命运和功能。
