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Intron-Derived Lariat RNAs Go Stable.
1State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|March 4, 2025
Summary
Intron-derived lariat RNAs, once dismissed as junk, are now recognized as stable non-coding RNAs. These molecules can form circular RNAs and have potential roles in cellular processes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- RNA Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Introns are removed during pre-mRNA splicing by the spliceosome.
- Intronic RNAs were traditionally considered non-functional and degraded.
- Recent findings suggest stable intron-derived RNAs play significant cellular roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the life cycle of intron-derived lariat RNAs.
- To discuss mechanisms of lariat RNA stability and biological functions.
- To highlight the significance of non-coding intronic RNAs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on lariat RNA biogenesis, degradation, and retention.
- Analysis of mechanisms conferring resistance to degradation.
- Examination of biological functions of stable lariat RNAs.
Main Results:
- Intron-derived lariat RNAs can escape degradation and remain stable.
- These stable RNAs are often found in circular forms (circRNAs).
- Lariat-derived circRNAs are detected in the cytoplasm, suggesting active export.
Conclusions:
- Intron-derived lariat RNAs are a significant source of functional non-coding RNAs.
- Their stability and cytoplasmic presence indicate crucial cellular roles.
- These RNAs challenge the "junk" DNA paradigm, revealing biological significance.
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