Novel Y-Chromosome Long Non-Coding RNAs Expressed in Human Male CNS During Early Development

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Genetics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Previous studies indicated sex-based differences in gene expression during embryonic neurodevelopment.
• These differences are particularly pronounced on the X and Y chromosomes before gonadal sexual maturation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate genome-wide gene expression differences in early human embryonic brain development.
• To identify Y-chromosome gene expression and novel non-coding RNAs.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used on first-trimester human embryonic brain samples.
• Analysis focused on detecting Y-chromosome gene expression with high sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Five out of thirteen expressed gametolog pairs exhibited unbalanced gene dosage, leading to male-biased expression.
• Six novel, non-annotated long non-coding RNAs were identified on the Y-chromosome.
• These novel RNAs showed conserved expression in newborn chimpanzees.

Conclusions:

• Early human embryonic brain development displays sex-specific gene expression patterns.
• Novel Y-chromosome long non-coding RNAs suggest critical roles in male central nervous system development.
• The findings highlight the importance of Y-chromosome gene expression in early neurodevelopment.