lncRNA-DNA hybrids regulate distant genes.

lncRNAs actively regulate gene expression. They contribute to chromosomal interactions at close or distant genomic regions, which, in turn, regulate transcription [1]. Ariel et al [2] reveal in a recent study a new molecular mechanism of the Arabidopsis lncRNA APOLO. The authors extend previously reported functions of APOLO in cis-regulation of chromosomal looping and transcription of its neighbor gene to a set of distant genes involved in auxin-induced molecular pathways controlling lateral root development. Noteworthy, APOLO recognition of multiple trans-modulated targets occurs through a novel mechanism involving R-loop formation.