Precision and Connectivity in Transcription and Translation

Our research is focused on elucidation of the means by which regulatory information encoded within the genes is decoded during transcription and translation and to reveal the connections between the two processes. To address these issues we utilize several biological systems. One is NF-κB, a major proinflammatory transcription factor. A subset of inflammatory-response NF-κB target genes is activated extremely fast following pro-inflammatory signal. I will describe our findings regarding a novel role of the transcription elongation factor Spt5 in linking promoter-escape, chromatin modifications and TFIID recruitment, all of which are necessary for transcription re-initiation and rapid induction of inflammatory-response genes. I will also describe our findings about translation initiation mechanisms that are linked to transcription.

• Precision and Connectivity in Transcription and Translation flyer (Japanese)