Long non-coding RNA

Definition

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules that are longer than 200 nucleotides and do not encode proteins. These molecules play essential roles in the regulation of gene expression, influencing processes such as chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional modifications. Their diverse functions are critical in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, highlighting their importance in understanding how genes are regulated within cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Long non-coding RNAs can regulate gene expression at multiple levels, including chromatin modification, transcriptional interference, and post-transcriptional processing.
2. Some lncRNAs function as scaffolds for protein complexes, bringing together various components necessary for regulating gene expression.
3. Certain long non-coding RNAs have been implicated in the development of diseases, including cancer, by disrupting normal regulatory pathways.
4. lncRNAs are often tissue-specific, meaning they can play unique roles in different cell types and developmental stages.
5. Research is ongoing to fully understand the mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence cellular processes and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Review Questions

• How do long non-coding RNAs influence transcriptional regulation in eukaryotic cells?
  • Long non-coding RNAs influence transcriptional regulation by interacting with transcription factors and chromatin-modifying complexes. They can serve as guides or scaffolds that recruit these regulatory proteins to specific genomic loci. By doing so, lncRNAs can either enhance or repress the transcription of target genes, showcasing their vital role in fine-tuning gene expression in eukaryotic cells.
• Discuss the significance of long non-coding RNAs in the context of epigenetic regulation and how they might impact cellular processes.
  • Long non-coding RNAs play a significant role in epigenetic regulation by interacting with chromatin remodeling complexes and influencing histone modifications. By altering the structure of chromatin, lncRNAs can control the accessibility of DNA to transcription machinery, thereby impacting cellular processes like differentiation and response to environmental stimuli. This connection highlights how lncRNAs are integral to maintaining proper gene expression profiles within different cell types.
• Evaluate the potential implications of long non-coding RNAs in therapeutic strategies for diseases like cancer.
  • Long non-coding RNAs have significant implications for therapeutic strategies due to their involvement in cancer biology. Given their ability to regulate key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, targeting specific lncRNAs could provide novel approaches for cancer treatment. Understanding the precise roles of lncRNAs in disease mechanisms opens up possibilities for developing RNA-based therapies that could inhibit or restore their function, potentially leading to more effective interventions for various cancers.

Related terms

Gene expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, typically proteins, involving transcription and translation.

Transcription factors: Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genes, playing a crucial role in the control of gene expression.

Epigenetics: The study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence, often influenced by environmental factors.