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Backtracking and proofreading in DNA transcription

<28>Molecular error correction processes are fundamental to the robust functioning of cells. A theoretical framework (Hopfield, 1974) paved way for progress in understanding some such processes, but transcriptional error correction (TEC, i.e., proofreading and editing mRNA copies of DNA) remained open. Inspired by the first experimental evidence linking so-called “backtracks” with error rates (2003), we propose the first microscopic TEC model relying on “backtracks”. Growing impact and recognition are evidenced by extended models (e.g., Klumpp's EPL: doi:10.1209/0295-5075/96/60004, Grill's CellReports: doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2013.09.007), and prestigious MRC and Brunel Fellowships (Voliotis, see [Cohen1]). Our subsequent generalised model (doi:10.1088/1478-3975/9/3/036007) suggests further, more directly testable, predictions.