RNA polymerase II pausing during the transcription cycle regulates the expression of numerous genes in macrophages, but how it influences inflammation has remained unclear. New research suggests that interfering with the transcription cycle by targeting the transcription kinase CDK7 could offer a way to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory diseases.

The researchers found that inhibition of CDK7 can disrupt RNA polymerase II promoter-proximal pausing, and that this disruption has a profound anti-inflammatory effect. “This effect is rapid, transcriptional and quite unexpected,” notes Inez Rogatsky, corresponding author of the study published in Science Translational Medicine. “It is exciting that we were able to reverse a pre-established and ongoing inflammatory programme, not just ‘prevent’ it.”