# A sequence-encoded promoter-proximal super pause stabilizes an offline RNA polymerase II state

Source: [cell.com](https://www.cell.com/molecular-cell/fulltext/S1097-2765(26)00741-0?rss=yes) · 2026-11-11 · Life
Page: https://themorning.science/story/a-sequence-encoded-promoter-proximal-super-pause-stabilizes-an-offline-rna-polym-651255cb52c1dfca
Kind: research · Impact: medium

## In brief

- Vazquez Nunez et al. developed GATO-seq, a cell-free genomics method that directly measures RNA polymerase II elongation dynamics.
- They identified a "super pause" DNA sequence near gene start sites that alone potently pauses RNA polymerase II.
- The sequence traps the enzyme in a previously undescribed state, according to the source.

## Why it matters

It shows that DNA sequence near gene start sites can by itself hold RNA polymerase II in a paused state, which bears on how gene expression is controlled.

## Timeline

- 2026-11-11: Study published in Molecular Cell

## Coverage

- [A sequence-encoded promoter-proximal super pause stabilizes an offline RNA polymerase II state](https://www.cell.com/molecular-cell/fulltext/S1097-2765(26)00741-0?rss=yes) — cell.com, 2026-11-11

Tags: transcription, rna polymerase ii, promoter-proximal pausing, gene regulation, genomics

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Brief generated by AI (claude-haiku-5-5) from the reporting listed under Coverage. Headlines belong to their publishers. The Morning Science – https://themorning.science