An RNA-centered view of eukaryotic cells

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Eukaryotic genomes contain vast non-coding regions previously termed
• junk
• DNA.
• Emerging evidence indicates these regions encode a complex RNA-based genetic regulatory network.
• This network is hypothesized to drive the complexity and diversity of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel framework viewing the eukaryotic RNA regulatory network as an "RNA community".
• To hypothesize that this RNA community can adapt and evolve through intracellular learning mechanisms.
• To suggest that evolutionary changes are recorded into the genome via RNA-mediated processes.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical framework development.
• Review of existing evidence consistent with the RNA-community hypothesis.
• Formulation of testable theorems.

Main Results:

• The RNA-community model offers a potential reconciliation of mutation/duplication rates with evolutionary change.
• It suggests intracellular RNA-mediated learning drives evolutionary adaptation.
• Successful adaptations are proposed to be hard-wired into the genome via reverse transcriptase.

Conclusions:

• The RNA-community view provides a new perspective on eukaryotic cell function and evolution.
• Agent-based modeling is suggested as a valuable tool for studying eukaryotic cells.
• The study advocates for experimental and computational research into the origins and macroevolution of life.