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Updated: Oct 12, 2025
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Detection of RNA-binding Proteins by In Vitro RNA Pull-down in Adipocyte Culture
Published on: July 22, 2016
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Long Non-Coding RNAs Associated with Ribosomes in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: From RNAs to Microproteins
Bernardo Bonilauri1, Fabiola Barbieri Holetz2, Bruno Dallagiovanna1
1Laboratory of Basic Biology of Stem Cells (LABCET), Carlos Chagas Institute-Fiocruz-Paraná, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil.
Biomolecules
|November 27, 2021
Summary
This study used ribosome profiling in human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) translated into microproteins. Researchers found 15 lncRNAs with 35 small open reading frames (smORFs) potentially encoding functional peptides.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their functional roles beyond simple transcription regulation.
- Evidence suggests some lncRNAs harbor small open reading frames (smORFs) that can be translated into functional micropeptides.
- Identifying translated smORFs within lncRNAs is challenging due to their unique characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the translational potential of lncRNAs in human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC).
- To identify novel lncRNA-encoded microproteins using ribosome profiling and bioinformatics.
- To explore the potential dual roles of these lncRNAs in hASC biology.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC).
- Application of ribosome profiling to capture translational dynamics.
- Bioinformatic analysis of transcriptome, translatome, and ribosome-protected fragments of lncRNAs.
Main Results:
- 222 lncRNAs were found associated with the translational machinery in hASC.
- Ribosomal occupancy patterns suggested translation of smORFs in several lncRNAs.
- A subset of 15 lncRNAs containing 35 smORFs were identified as likely encoding functional microproteins.
Conclusions:
- This study identified novel translated smORFs within lncRNAs in hASC.
- Four previously known smORF-derived microproteins were re-identified, validating the approach.
- The findings suggest a potential dual function for these lncRNAs in hASC self-renewal.
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