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Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in brain evolution, development, plasticity and disease
Irfan A Qureshi1, Mark F Mehler
1Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, New York 10461, USA. irfan@jhu.edu
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|July 21, 2012
Summary
Novel non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are rapidly being identified and studied. These molecules play crucial roles in gene regulation, nuclear organization, and various biological processes, including brain development and disease.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Recent advances have accelerated the characterization of novel small and long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs).
- Understanding of genomic architecture, regulation, and transcriptional output has undergone significant paradigm shifts.
- Innovations in sequencing technologies and computational biology are key drivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the expanding inventory of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs).
- To underscore the diverse molecular interactions and cellular functions of ncRNAs.
- To emphasize the broad biological implications of ncRNAs.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of novel ncRNA classes.
- Analysis of ncRNA interactions with DNA, RNA, and proteins.
- Investigation of ncRNA roles in nuclear organization and gene regulation.
Main Results:
- ncRNAs exhibit diverse structural, functional, and regulatory activities.
- ncRNAs are involved in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic processes.
- An expanding inventory of ncRNAs is being identified.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs are implicated in fundamental biological processes.
- These molecules play roles in brain evolution, development, and synaptic plasticity.
- Dysregulation of ncRNAs is linked to disease pathogenesis.
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