LncRNA

Definition

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a category of RNA molecules that are longer than 200 nucleotides and do not code for proteins. These RNA molecules play crucial roles in gene regulation, cellular processes, and chromatin remodeling, influencing the expression of protein-coding genes without being translated into proteins themselves. Their diverse functions and complex structures distinguish them from other types of RNA, making them essential for various biological processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. lncRNAs are involved in various cellular functions including transcriptional regulation, splicing, and chromatin modification.
2. These molecules can act as scaffolds or guides, helping to assemble protein complexes that regulate gene expression.
3. lncRNAs have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, due to their roles in regulating genes associated with cell growth and differentiation.
4. Unlike mRNAs, lncRNAs are often expressed in a tissue-specific manner, highlighting their potential roles in development and differentiation.
5. Research on lncRNAs is rapidly expanding, revealing new insights into their diverse functions and mechanisms of action in cellular biology.

Review Questions

• How do lncRNAs differ from mRNAs in terms of structure and function?
  • lncRNAs differ from mRNAs primarily in their length and function; lncRNAs are longer than 200 nucleotides and do not code for proteins, whereas mRNAs serve as templates for protein synthesis. Functionally, lncRNAs play critical roles in regulating gene expression and cellular processes, while mRNAs primarily carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes. Additionally, lncRNAs can interact with chromatin and various proteins to influence transcriptional regulation.
• Discuss the significance of lncRNAs in the context of gene regulation and their potential implications for human health.
  • lncRNAs are significant because they can regulate gene expression at multiple levels, including transcriptional control and post-transcriptional modifications. Their ability to interact with chromatin remodeling complexes allows them to influence how genes are expressed during different stages of development. The dysregulation of lncRNAs has been linked to various diseases such as cancer, suggesting that understanding these molecules could lead to novel therapeutic approaches targeting gene regulation.
• Evaluate the role of lncRNAs in chromatin remodeling and their potential impact on gene expression profiles across different cell types.
  • lncRNAs play a pivotal role in chromatin remodeling by recruiting specific protein complexes to targeted genomic loci, thereby influencing the accessibility of DNA for transcription. This recruitment can lead to changes in the epigenetic landscape, impacting gene expression profiles distinctly across different cell types. By modulating chromatin structure and dynamics, lncRNAs contribute to the fine-tuning of gene expression necessary for maintaining cellular identity and responding to environmental cues.

Related terms

mRNA:

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it is translated into a protein.

miRNA: MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule that regulates gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNAs, leading to their degradation or inhibition of translation.

Chromatin: Chromatin is a complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, playing a key role in gene regulation and DNA packaging.