Molecular Mechanisms and Research Progress of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Regulating Mammalian Skeletal Muscle...

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were initially dismissed as transcriptional noise.
• Recent research highlights their crucial regulatory roles in mammalian skeletal muscle development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically integrate recent advances in muscle-related lncRNA research.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of lncRNA characteristics, expression, mechanisms, pathology, and applications in muscle biology.
• To critically evaluate the ceRNA hypothesis and address current limitations and controversies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic integration of existing knowledge on muscle-related lncRNAs.
• Analysis of lncRNA molecular characteristics, classification, and expression patterns across different developmental stages.
• Examination of molecular mechanisms, including chromatin remodeling, ceRNA networks, and protein interactions.
• Review of pathological implications and translational applications.

Main Results:

• lncRNAs exhibit diverse molecular characteristics and classification patterns relevant to muscle.
• Stage-specific expression of lncRNAs is observed throughout muscle development, maintenance, and regeneration.
• Multiple molecular mechanisms, including chromatin remodeling and ceRNA networks, are involved in lncRNA regulation.
• lncRNAs are implicated in various muscle-related pathologies and hold potential for precision breeding.

Conclusions:

• This review provides a multi-layer regulatory network model for muscle-related lncRNAs.
• It addresses current challenges and controversies, such as the ceRNA hypothesis, offering a roadmap for future research.
• The findings support the translational application of lncRNAs in muscle biology, disease understanding, and animal breeding.