Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
07:24
Repression of Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth In Vivo by Single-wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT)-delivered MALAT1 Antisense Oligos
Published on: December 13, 2018
Long non-coding RNA triplex-dependent regulation of melanoma gene networks
Kushani Shah1,2,3, Eleni Anastasakou1,2,3, Leinal Sejour3,4
1Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics
|June 29, 2026
Summary
SLNCR, a long non-coding RNA, drives melanoma progression by forming RNA•DNA:DNA triplexes with key gene promoters. Blocking these triplexes inhibits melanoma cell migration, highlighting a novel therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in gene regulation.
- SLNCR is implicated in melanoma formation and gene expression regulation through transcription factor interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which SLNCR promotes melanoma progression.
- To determine if SLNCR forms RNA•DNA triplexes and if these interactions are functional.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing
- Triplex Domain Finder tool analysis
- Functional assays using A375 melanoma cells
- Ex vivo migration assays with inhibitory oligonucleotides
Main Results:
- SLNCR contains four triplex-forming regions (TFRs) homologous to other lncRNAs.
- SLNCR TFRs form RNA•DNA:DNA triplexes with target sites in promoters of genes regulating melanoma migration and invasion.
- Overexpression of full-length SLNCR promotes melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Deletion of TFRs reverses SLNCR's transcriptomic signature and impairs its function.
- Inhibitory oligos blocking SLNCR•DNA:DNA triplex formation reversed SLNCR-mediated migration.
Conclusions:
- SLNCR promotes melanoma progression through the formation of RNA•DNA:DNA triplexes.
- These triplexes target key genes involved in melanoma migration and invasion networks.
- Targeting SLNCR•DNA:DNA triplex formation represents a potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma.
Related Concept Videos
02:39lncRNA - 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 (lncRNA)...
02:39lncRNA - 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 (lncRNA)...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:22MicroRNAs
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 ends...
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...