Eukaryotic DNA dependent RNA polymerases are a group of enzymes that are responsible for transcribing DNA into RNA, which is the first step in gene expression. In eukaryotic cells, there are three different RNA polymerases, each of which plays a specific role in development and disease.
RNA Polymerase I is responsible for the transcription of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, which are necessary to produce ribosomes. Ribosomes are cellular structures that are responsible for synthesizing proteins, and their proper functioning is critical for normal development and cellular homeostasis. In diseases such as cancer, changes in the expression of RNA Polymerase I can result in alterations in ribosome biogenesis, which can contribute to abnormal cell growth.
RNA Polymerase II is responsible for the transcription of protein-coding genes and miRNA genes and plays a critical role in development by regulating the expression of genes involved in cell fate determination and differentiation. Dysregulation of RNA Polymerase II activity has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
RNA Polymerase III is responsible for the transcription of small non-coding RNAs, including tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Dysregulation of RNA Polymerase III activity has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
RNA Polymerase IV-VII are less well-known compared to RNA polymerases I-III but they have roles in various cell functions including cell growth and development, stress response and disease resistance. There are also a few lesser-known RNA polymerases in eukaryotes such as the mitochondrial RNA polymerase that is associated with range of mitochondrial diseases as well as viral RNA polymerases their resemble their eukaryotic counterparts.
Overall, the activity of eukaryotic RNA polymerases is critical for normal development and cellular homeostasis, and dysregulation of their activity can contribute to a variety of diseases. Understanding the role of RNA polymerases in development and disease has and continues to provide us important insights into the underlying biology of cells and help us develop new therapies for a wide range of diseases. Recognizing the importance of this area, we invite submissions for an Article Collection on all aspects of the role of RNA polymerases in development and disease.
All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo desk assessment and peer-review as part of our standard editorial process. Guest Advisors will not be involved in peer-reviewing manuscripts unless they are an existing member of the Editorial Board.
Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.
The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 11 December 2023.
Please contact Ashley Ambros at [email protected] with any queries regarding this Article Collection.
Disclosure Statement: Dr. Knutson and Dr. Palumbo declare no conflicts of interest regarding this work.
