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Cis-acting noncoding RNAs: friends and foes
1Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. sguil@idibell.cat
Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
|November 8, 2012
Summary
Functional noncoding RNAs regulate nearby genes, impacting biological processes and diseases. This review summarizes mammalian cis-acting RNAs and their roles in health and illness.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- The discovery of functional noncoding RNAs has expanded significantly.
- A subset of these RNAs, both short and long, participate in cis regulation.
- Their expression is often coordinated with neighboring protein-coding genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on mammalian cis-acting RNAs.
- To summarize existing knowledge about their impact on physiological and disease states.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Synthesis of existing data on cis-acting RNAs.
Main Results:
- Noncoding RNAs play crucial roles in cis regulation of target genes.
- Expression of cis-acting RNAs is frequently coordinated with neighboring genes.
- Interactions between related transcripts influence biogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Mammalian cis-acting RNAs are important regulators in both normal physiology and disease.
- Further research into these molecules is warranted for understanding complex biological systems.
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