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Updated: May 15, 2026

Cell Based Assays of SINEUP Non-coding RNAs That Can Specifically Enhance mRNA Translation
Published on: February 1, 2019
Axonal trafficking of an antisense RNA transcribed from a pseudogene is regulated by classical conditioning
Sergei A Korneev1, Ildiko Kemenes, Natalia L Bettini
1School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex , Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG. s.korneev@sussex.ac.uk
Abstract:
Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are endogenous RNA molecules that are complementary to known RNA transcripts. The functional significance of NATs is poorly understood, but their prevalence in the CNS suggests a role in brain function. Here we investigated a long NAT (antiNOS-2 RNA) associated with the regulation of nitric oxide (NO) production in the CNS of Lymnaea, an established model for molecular analysis of learning and memory. We show the antiNOS-2 RNA is axonally trafficked and demonstrate that this is regulated by classical conditioning. Critically, a single conditioning trial changes the amount of antiNOS-2 RNA transported along the axon. This occurs within the critical time window when neurotransmitter NO is required for memory formation. Our data suggest a role for the antiNOS-2 RNA in establishing memories through the regulation of NO signaling at the synapse.
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