Transcription and DNA replication share the DNA template and have to be tightly co-regulated to maintain genome stability.

Transcription regulates location of replication origins and steps of replication initiation through protein factors and RNA.

Regulation of replication timing by transcription is region-specific.

Deregulation of coordination between transcription and replication leads to genome instability and human diseases.

A tight coordination between transcription and DNA replication is essential to maintain genome stability. Both excessive transcription and upregulated initiation of DNA replication result in transcription replication conflicts and DNA damage. Interestingly, many replication origins are co-localized with transcription start sites, indicating that transcription may play a role in the initiation of DNA replication. In this review we cover various aspects of replication regulation by transcription - from location of replication origins to various steps of replication initiation, replication timing and transcription-replication conflicts.

DNA replication

Transcription

Replication origins

Transcription start sites

Chromatin

Replication timing

© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.