Related Experiment Videos
Exploiting Long Noncoding RNAs as Pharmacological Targets to Modulate Epigenetic Diseases
Bindu Prabhakar1, Xiao-Bo Zhong2, Theodore P Rasmussen2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine
|March 31, 2017
Summary
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key gene expression regulators, often acting through epigenetic mechanisms. Their roles in disease highlight their potential as future pharmacological targets for various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent the largest class of non-coding transcripts in the human genome.
- Advances in sequencing and bioinformatics reveal a greater abundance of non-coding RNA genes than protein-coding genes.
- lncRNAs are increasingly recognized as master regulators of gene expression, frequently utilizing epigenetic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on lncRNA functions in human cells and their involvement in disease.
- To explore the potential of lncRNAs as pharmacological targets.
- To discuss future perspectives on manipulating lncRNAs for therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on lncRNA functions and roles in disease.
- Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms regulated by lncRNAs.
- Exploration of pharmacological strategies targeting lncRNAs.
Main Results:
- lncRNAs play critical roles in regulating gene expression, particularly through chromatin structure modulation.
- Dysregulation of lncRNAs is implicated in various human diseases.
- Specific lncRNAs can control transcription within gene clusters, impacting cellular pathways.
Conclusions:
- lncRNAs are significant regulators of gene expression with crucial roles in human health and disease.
- Their involvement in epigenetic regulation makes them attractive targets for drug development.
- Pharmacological targeting of lncRNAs offers promising therapeutic avenues for diseases involving epigenetic dysregulation.