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Chimeric RNAs in cancer and normal physiology
Katarzyna Chwalenia1, Loryn Facemire1, Hui Li1,2
1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|June 8, 2017
Summary
Chimeric RNAs, once thought to be cancer-specific, are now recognized as a fundamental part of normal biology. New research reveals their presence in noncancerous cells and highlights their potential roles and formation mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Chimeric RNAs were traditionally considered artifacts or exclusive to cancer cells.
- Advances in sequencing and analysis reveal their presence in normal tissues.
- Emerging evidence suggests functional roles for chimeric RNAs in normal physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the traditional view of chimeric RNAs.
- To highlight the expanding understanding of chimeric RNA biology.
- To underscore the potential clinical implications of chimeric RNA research.
Main Methods:
- Next-generation sequencing technologies.
- Advanced bioinformatics software tools.
- Accumulation of experimental evidence from various studies.
Main Results:
- Increasing identification of chimeric transcripts in noncancerous tissues.
- Demonstration of functional relevance for a subset of chimeric RNAs in normal physiology.
- Identification of diverse formation mechanisms beyond chromosomal rearrangement, including cis-splicing of adjacent genes (cis-SAGe) and trans-splicing.
Conclusions:
- Chimeric RNAs are a component of basic biology, challenging established dogma.
- Further research into noncanonical splicing processes is needed.
- Understanding chimeric RNAs may lead to advancements in cancer diagnostics and treatment.
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