Regulation of gene expression by SMUG1 DNA glycosylase 1

Single-strand selective uracil-DNA glycosylase, SMUG1, functions in base excision repair with the main substrates being uracil and 5-hydroxymethyl uracil. SMUG1 also functions in RNA quality control with a specific function in maintaining the stability and functionality of the telomeric RNA component TERC. The participation of SMUG1 in such diverse biological processes warrants a global approach to identify it's major biological impact in vivo. We have used gene expression profiling by RNA sequencing in Smug1-deficient mice to map tissue specific changes in global gene expression. Transcriptomes from liver, and several brain regions (hippocampus, frontal cortex, ventral midbrain, and the olfactory bulb) reveal both common and tissue specific roles for SMUG1 in regulation of gene expression.