DNA photodamage recognition by RNA polymerase II

During gene transcription, RNA polymerase (Pol) II encounters obstacles, including lesions in the DNA template. Here, we review a recent structure-function analysis of Pol II transcribing DNA with a bulky photo-lesion in the template strand. The study provided the molecular basis for recognition of a damaged DNA by Pol II, which is the first step in transcription-coupled DNA repair (TCR). The results have general implications for damage recognition and the TCR mechanism. (c) 2007 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.