Non-Coding RNAs: A Dynamic and Complex Network of Gene Regulation

Munshi A,Mohan V

doi:10.4172/2153-0645.1000156

Abstract

It has been estimated that less than two percent of the mammalian genome encodes proteins, rest of the genome which was earlier considered as junk DNA is the treasure trove of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Many ncRNAs have now been characterized. They constitute one of the largest families of gene regulators that are found in plants and animals. They form a complex network and have key roles in diverse regulatory pathways involved in human health and disease. In this review, different types of ncRNAs, their biogenesis, structure, function and evolutionary significance is showcased

Highlights

Non-coding RNAs gained international attention in 1998, when the ability of a double stranded RNA to silence gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans was discovered
For the discovery of such small ncRNAs that interfered with gene expression (RNAi), Andrew Fire and Craig Mellow won the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 2006
Intermediate sized (50 nt - 500 nt) non-coding infra-structural RNAs have been known for a long time and include tRNAs, ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), small nuclear RNAs and small nucleolar RNAs

Summary

Introduction

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) gained international attention in 1998, when the ability of a double stranded RNA to silence gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans was discovered. [111] have shown the interplay between the expression of two long ncRNAs, transcribed on opposite strands, which can exert epigenetic metastatic control on the transcription of the adjacent protein-encoding FLOW11 gene in yeast (Sacchoromyces cerevisiae) This regulatory mechanism has a profound effect on the life cycle of yeast. Granules that contain protein, mRNAs and ncRNAs are found in the cytoplasm of somatic and germ cells Specific components of these RNA granules can alter DNA and RNA sequences, and can regulate transcription in a form of cytoplasmic inheritance [146]. These are acquired to specify the germline in the generation, which represents clear example of epigenetic inheritance [146]

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of ncRNAs

Findings

Evolutionary Significance of ncRNAs