Transcriptional control of gene expression is crucial for adaptive microbial stress responses and governs cell state transitions that are fundamental to the development of multicellular organisms. Misregulation of transcription is associated with many genetic disorders including cancer in humans. RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) movement during transcription is influenced by RNA processing factors and chromatin regulators in ways that determine gene output and gene isoforms in eukaryotic cells; however, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Our research aims to define how environmental cues are integrated to regulate Pol II pausing and the ensuing transcription termination by a highly conserved 5`-3` exoribonuclease Xrn2. For this purpose, we employ a simple yeast model system and a multidisciplinary approach that includes genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry, and cell biology