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Published on: February 1, 2019
Regulation of inducible gene expression by natural antisense transcripts
Mikio Nishizawa1, Tadayoshi Okumura, Yukinobu Ikeya
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan. nishizaw@sk.ritsumei.ac.jp
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition)
|December 29, 2011
Summary
Natural antisense transcripts regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. These transcripts interact with mRNA, influencing stability and potentially playing a role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are prevalent in eukaryotes but their functions remain largely unexplored.
- Gene expression is regulated transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, with NATs emerging as key post-transcriptional regulators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the post-transcriptional regulatory roles of natural antisense transcripts.
- To highlight the mechanisms by which NATs influence mRNA stability and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing literature on natural antisense transcripts and gene regulation.
- Review of studies investigating NAT interactions with mRNA and trans-acting factors.
Main Results:
- NATs regulate gene expression by interacting with target mRNAs through hybridization.
- This interaction can alter mRNA stability and translatability, impacting protein production.
- NATs function in concert with proteins and microRNAs, forming complex regulatory networks.
Conclusions:
- Antisense transcript-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is a significant mechanism for controlling inducible gene expression.
- NATs may be implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, warranting further investigation.
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