Abstract
As a key enzyme for gene expression, RNA polymerase II (pol II) reads along the DNA template and catalyzes accurate mRNA synthesis during transcription. On the other hand, genomic DNA is under constant attack by endogenous and environmental stresses. These attack cause many DNA lesions. Pol II functions as a specific sensor that is able to recognize changes in DNA sequences and structures and induces different outcomes. A critical question in the field is how Pol II recognizes and senses these DNA modifications or lesions. Recent studies provided new insights into understanding this critical question. In this mini-review, we would like to focus on three classes of DNA lesions/modifications: (1) Bulky, DNA-distorting lesions that block pol II transcription, (2) small DNA lesions that promote pol II pausing and error-prone transcriptional bypass, and (3) endogenous enzyme-catalyzed DNA modifications that lead to pol II pausing and error-free transcriptional bypass.