The functional role of lncRNAs as ceRNAs in both ovarian processes and associated diseases

Muhammad Usman1, Ai Li2, Dan Wu3

  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing University of Technology, Gonglian yicun No.1 street lijiatuo, Banan district, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.

Non-Coding RNA Research
|December 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate ovarian function by interacting with microRNAs (miRNAs). Understanding these lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks offers new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for reproductive disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression impacting ovarian function.
  • lncRNAs influence transcription, post-transcriptional modifications, and epigenetic regulation.
  • They act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), interacting with microRNAs (miRNAs) to control gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of lncRNAs and their ceRNA activities in ovarian biology.
  • To understand the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network's impact on ovarian physiology and pathology.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for reproductive disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Investigating the functional roles of specific lncRNAs in ovarian cells.
  • Elucidating the complex interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs.
  • Comprehensive profiling of lncRNA expression patterns in ovarian tissues.

Main Results:

  • lncRNAs significantly modulate ovarian gene expression through intricate regulatory networks.
  • The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis is a critical determinant of ovarian physiological functions.
  • Dysregulation of these networks contributes to reproductive disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding lncRNA-mediated ceRNA activity is crucial for deciphering ovarian biology and pathology.
  • This knowledge can lead to novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for reproductive health conditions.
  • Advancements in lncRNA research promise precision therapies for reproductive disorders.

Related Concept Videos

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
8.6K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.0K
The Nucleolus02:55

The Nucleolus

The nucleolus is the most prominent substructure of the nucleus. When it was first discovered, it was considered to be an isolated organelle that forms fibrils and granules. In 1931, the relationship between the nucleolus and chromosomes was first described by Heitz. He observed that the appearance and size of nucleolus varies depending on the stage of the cell cycle. He also noticed constricted regions on different chromosomes clustered together at definite cell cycle stages. These regions,...
8.9K
Oogenesis02:07

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
63.7K
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
5.8K
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
16.8K