Long non-coding RNAs

Definition

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules that are longer than 200 nucleotides and do not encode proteins. They play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and are involved in various cellular processes, including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional modifications. Their interaction with DNA and other RNA molecules highlights their importance in the context of epigenetic regulation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. lncRNAs can regulate gene expression at multiple levels, including chromatin modification, transcriptional interference, and mRNA stability.
2. They have been implicated in various biological processes such as development, cell differentiation, and response to environmental signals.
3. Many lncRNAs interact with chromatin-modifying complexes to influence the epigenetic landscape of specific genes.
4. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
5. lncRNAs can act in both cis (on the same chromosome) and trans (on different chromosomes) to regulate gene activity, showcasing their diverse functional roles.

Review Questions

• How do long non-coding RNAs influence gene expression and what mechanisms do they employ?
  • Long non-coding RNAs influence gene expression through various mechanisms such as chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and mRNA stability. They can recruit chromatin-modifying complexes to specific genomic locations, altering the epigenetic marks on the associated genes. Additionally, lncRNAs can interact with transcription factors and other regulatory proteins to either promote or inhibit transcription, thus playing a vital role in fine-tuning gene expression.
• Discuss the potential implications of long non-coding RNAs in disease mechanisms, particularly in cancer.
  • Long non-coding RNAs have significant implications in disease mechanisms, especially in cancer, where their abnormal expression can lead to tumorigenesis. Some lncRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors by influencing key pathways involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Their ability to regulate gene expression and chromatin structure can affect how cells respond to stress and adapt to changing environments, contributing to cancer progression and resistance to therapy.
• Evaluate how understanding long non-coding RNAs can advance therapeutic strategies in genomics.
  • Understanding long non-coding RNAs can greatly advance therapeutic strategies by providing new targets for drug development and precision medicine. By identifying specific lncRNAs associated with diseases, researchers can develop targeted therapies aimed at modulating their activity or restoring normal expression levels. Additionally, lncRNAs could serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis or prognosis, facilitating early intervention and personalized treatment plans tailored to an individual's genomic profile.

Related terms

Gene expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, typically proteins, although non-coding RNAs are also significant.

Chromatin: A complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes, which plays a key role in regulating gene accessibility and expression.

Epigenetics:

The study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence, often involving chemical modifications such as DNA methylation.