DNA-templated transcription (GO:0006351)

DNA-templated transcription is the fundamental biological process where a specific segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase. This process is the first step of gene expression and is essential for the survival, growth, and differentiation of all living organisms, as it produces the messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) required for protein synthesis. Although 'DNA-templated transcription' is a broad Gene Ontology (GO) term rather than a single molecular target, the machinery that executes this process—most notably DNA-directed RNA polymerases and associated transcription factors—serves as a vital target for various therapeutic agents. In oncology, drugs like Actinomycin D and Lurbinectedin disrupt transcription to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, while in infectious diseases, antibiotics like Rifampicin selectively target bacterial RNA polymerase to treat infections like tuberculosis. However, because transcription is a universal requirement for cellular function, drugs targeting this process often face significant challenges regarding selectivity and can cause severe systemic side effects.

Other names

Transcription, DNA-templatedRNA synthesisDNA-dependent RNA transcriptionGene transcriptionDNA-directed RNA synthesis

Inhibition of DNA-directed RNA polymerase activity, blockage of transcription initiation by inhibiting the TFIIH complex, DNA intercalation to prevent strand separation, and induction of RNA polymerase II degradation.