Genome-wide surveillance of transcription errors in response to genotoxic stress

Significance Accurate transcription is required for the faithful expression of genetic information. If the fidelity of transcription is compromised, protein homeostasis, cell fate, and various metabolic processes are disrupted. Here, we demonstrate that mutagens can lower the fidelity of transcription in yeast, worms, flies, and mice by promoting the misincorporation of nucleotides by RNA polymerases. These observations establish a mechanism by which the environment, our lifestyle choices, and work-related exposures may promote the age of onset, severity, and progression of various diseases.