Chapter 8 - The Role of Noncoding RNAs in Genome Stability and Aging

Abstract

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules that are not translated and thus do not encode any protein. The world of ncRNAs is very rich, including molecules participating in transcription, splicing, translation, the modification of other RNAs, the regulation of chromatin structure, and stability of other RNAs such as ncRNAs and mature RNAs. This review will focus specifically on ncRNAs involved in the regulation of genome stability and play an essential role in the mechanisms of aging. ncRNAs play a crucial role in the maintenance of genome stability and DNA repair in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including the regulation of genome structure and genome rearrangements, a defense against bacteriophages, the regulation of transposon activity, and the protection of the genome against transposon insertions as well as the repair of strand breaks. The role of ncRNAs in aging is partially defined through the regulation of genome stability. In addition, ncRNAs are also critically important in the regulation of cellular senescence in various tissues. In this chapter, we will introduce the current information on various short and long ncRNAs involved in the regulation of genome stability and aging by focusing on eukaryotes.