Cardinal Epigenetic Role of non-coding Regulatory RNAs in Circadian Rhythm

Circadian rhythm which governs basic physiological activities like sleeping, feeding and energy consumption is regulated by light-controlled central clock genes in the pacemaker neuron. The timekeeping machinery with unique transcriptional and post-transcriptional feedback loops is controlled by different small regulatory RNAs in the brain. Roles of the multiple neuronal genes, especially post-transcriptional regulation, splicing, polyadenylation, mature mRNA editing, and stability of translation products, are controlled by epigenetic activities orchestrated via small RNAs. Collectively, these mechanisms regulate clock and light-controlled genes for effecting pacemaker activity and entrainment. Regulatory small RNAs of the circadian circuit, timekeeping mechanism, synchronization of regular entrainment, oscillation, and rhythmicity are regulated by diversified RNA molecules. Regulatory small RNAs operate critical roles in brain activities including the neuronal clock activity. In this report, we propose the emergence of the earlier unexpected small RNAs for a historic perspective of epigenetic regulation of the brain clock system.