Long noncoding RNAs in imprinting and X chromosome inactivation
Joseph M Autuoro1, Stephan P Pirnie2, Gordon G Carmichael3
1Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. jautuoro@gmail.com.
Biomolecules
|June 28, 2014
Summary
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly identified, but their functions remain unclear. This review explores lncRNA roles in regulating genomic imprinting, a key gene expression process.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a rapidly expanding class of RNA molecules.
- The functions of most identified lncRNAs are currently unknown.
- lncRNAs are implicated in gene regulation, including at chromatin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known lncRNAs at major imprinted gene loci.
- To discuss the proposed mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated regulation of genomic imprinting.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on lncRNAs and genomic imprinting.
- Analysis of existing data on lncRNA identification and function.
- Synthesis of current understanding of lncRNA roles in imprinted gene regulation.
Main Results:
- lncRNAs are frequently found at imprinted gene clusters.
- Evidence suggests lncRNAs recruit chromatin modifiers to regulate gene expression.
- Specific lncRNAs are associated with the regulation of key imprinted loci.
Conclusions:
- lncRNAs play significant roles in the complex process of genomic imprinting.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated imprinting control.
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