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Manipulation of Ploidy in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: March 15, 2018
Programmed fluctuations in sense/antisense transcript ratios drive sexual differentiation in S. pombe
Danny A Bitton1, Agnes Grallert, Paul J Scutt
1CRUK Applied Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Group, Cancer Research UK, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Molecular Systems Biology
|December 22, 2011
Summary
This study reveals extensive non-coding RNA (ncRNA) expression during S. pombe sexual differentiation. These ncRNAs, including antisense transcripts, actively regulate gene function and are crucial for this complex developmental process.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles.
- Sexual differentiation in S. pombe involves complex genetic programming.
- The precise functions of many ncRNAs, particularly antisense transcripts, remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the landscape of ncRNA expression during S. pombe sexual differentiation.
- To determine the functional significance of ncRNAs, especially antisense transcripts, in this process.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which ncRNAs regulate gene function during differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Strand-specific RNA sequencing in S. pombe.
- Genetic manipulation to induce ectopic and cis antisense transcript expression.
- Assessment of gene function disruption and meiotic phenotypes.
- Analysis of RNA interference (RNAi) pathway involvement.
Main Results:
- Over 600 ncRNA loci identified, with waves of antisense transcription during sexual differentiation.
- A significant portion of ncRNA originates from previously considered artefactual mechanisms.
- Ectopic and cis antisense transcript expression disrupted meiotic gene functions and phenotypes.
- Antisense transcript function was dependent on the RNA interference (RNAi) machinery.
Conclusions:
- Extensive ncRNA expression, particularly antisense transcripts, is a fundamental component of S. pombe sexual differentiation.
- ncRNAs actively regulate gene function during differentiation, challenging the notion of 'genome chatter'.
- The RNAi pathway is essential for the regulatory functions of these ncRNAs.
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