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Published on: February 1, 2019
Overlapping antisense transcription in the human genome
M E Fahey1, T F Moore, D G Higgins
1Department of Biochemistry, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork, Ireland.
Comparative and Functional Genomics
|July 17, 2008
Summary
Overlapping antisense transcripts (OATs) are a newly identified class of gene regulators. This study estimates at least 1000 such pairs in the human genome, suggesting a significant role in gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs play crucial roles in eukaryotic gene regulation.
- Overlapping antisense transcripts (OATs) are a class of RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression.
- The prevalence and significance of OATs, particularly in humans, remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify and quantify overlapping antisense transcripts in the human genome.
- To estimate the potential prevalence of OATs and their role in gene regulation.
- To investigate the association of OATs with imprinted gene loci.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of the human mRNA database (RefSeq).
- Systematic search for complementary regions between transcripts originating from the same locus.
- Investigation of EST databases to assess OATs at imprinted gene loci.
Main Results:
- Identified 56 pairs of overlapping transcripts transcribed from the same locus.
- Estimated a minimum of 1000 such transcript pairs in the human genome.
- Found EST databases unsuitable for investigating OATs at imprinted gene loci.
Conclusions:
- The human genome likely harbors a substantial number of overlapping antisense transcript pairs.
- Overlapping antisense transcripts may represent a significant, widespread mechanism for gene regulation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the functional significance of these OATs.
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