Author Description

All genes must be expressed to exhibit their biological activities. How genes are expressed and regulated is a central question in molecular biology and our knowledge in this area has been expanding enormously in recent years. The complexity of gene regulation is compounded by the fact that gene activities reach every comer of biology. Transcription is universally the first step toward expressing a gene. It is a highly regulated process. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of transcription regulation is of fiindamental importance. For protein-coding genes, post-transcriptional steps, including pre-mRNA processing, mRNA transport and translation, can also play important roles in regulating gene expression. To contain the scope of this book, we will focus primarily on RNA polymerase II transcription and regulation. We will explore not only the biochemical basis of transcription but also the biological consequences of, and biological influences on gene transcription. The book is composed of 35 individual review articles written by authorities in the field. The chapters are organized into five sections: The History, The Machinery, The Regulators, The Genome, and Special Topics. The History section contains one chapter, written by James Goodrich and Robert Tjian, who provide an excellent historical perspective and overview of the transcription process. The Machinery section has six chapters that cover essential topics on the transcriptional apparatus, general cofactors, chromatin structure, and core promoter structure.