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Function and evolution of local repeats in the Firre locus
Ezgi Hacisuleyman1,2,3, Chinmay J Shukla2,3,4, Catherine L Weiner1,2,3
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Nature Communications
|March 25, 2016
Summary
Local repeats within the Firre long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) locus have diverse functions. Specific repeats act as nuclear retention signals for mRNA and DNA enhancer elements, revealing novel roles for genomic repeats.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Repetitive sequences constitute over half of the human and mouse genomes, including transposable elements (TEs) and local repeats.
- While TEs are well-studied, the functions of local repeats within specific genomic loci remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically characterize the local repeats within the genomic locus of the Firre long noncoding RNA (lncRNA).
- To investigate the molecular functions and potential biological roles of these identified local repeats.
Main Methods:
- Systematic characterization of local repeats in the Firre lncRNA genomic locus.
- Functional analysis of specific repeat elements, including RRD and R0 repeats.
Main Results:
- Identified a conserved function for the RRD repeat as a ribonucleic nuclear retention signal, capable of retaining cytoplasmic mRNA in the nucleus.
- Discovered that the R0 repeat acts as a DNA enhancer element within the intronic sequences of the Firre gene.
- Demonstrated diverse functionalities and molecular mechanisms for local repeats within the Firre locus.
Conclusions:
- Local repeats within the Firre locus exhibit diverse functionalities, including roles in nuclear retention and gene regulation.
- These findings suggest that local repeats may play significant, yet underappreciated, roles in other lncRNAs and genome function globally.
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