Eukaryotic Gene Transcription

Abstract

Eukaryotic Gene Transcription is volume 12 in the Frontiers inMolecular Biology series of books (Edited by B D Hames and DM Glover) which now includes some 16 titles. This particularvolume has brought together the insights of 17 researchers whohave contributed to the 9 chapters spanning the subject of trans-cription and transcriptional control in eukaryotes. The basics ofthe RNA polymerase transcriptional machinery are presentedclearly in chapter 1 which includes sections on the now familiarTATA-binding protein (TBP) and TBP-associated factors aswell as the general initiation factors (TFIIs). Special attention isgiven to these as targets for transcriptional activators. The roleof histones and hence chromatin is covered in chapter 2 andother major topics dealt with include signal transductionmechanisms (the cyclic AMP response element modulator,CREM, in chapter 3), developmental regulation (Rel proteins inchapter 4, multifactorial models in chapter 5, homeodomainproteins in chapter 6 and skeletal myogenesis in chapter 7) andthe cell cycle (both in yeasts and mammalian cells in chapter 8).The final chapter is devoted to the Tat protein and its control oftranscriptional elongation during the replication of humanimmunodeficiency virus. Perhaps surprisingly I found no discussion on retinoic acid or the plethora of cellular binding proteinsand nuclear receptors for this important regulator. Eachcontribution is clearly presented and includes a comprehensivereference list at its end. I found the list of abbreviations at thebeginning of the book extremely useful. Diagrams are anabsolute necessity to follow what is being discussed in the textand these are on the whole very well reproduced. A little colourin many of them in place of the various degrees and patterns ofgrey shading would have helped clarify many but of coursewould have increased the price of this extremely informativevolume.The sheer complexity of transcriptional regulation can makethe subject difficult and this book will find favour among bothstudents seeking knowledge and those wishing to elucidate theircurrent understanding of this field.