Work

Cytoplasmic functions of long noncoding RNAs

Year: 2018

Type: review

Abstract: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides found throughout the cell that lack protein-coding function. Their functions are closely linked to their interaction with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and nucleic acids. Nuclear lncRNAs have been studied extensively, revealing complexes with structural and regulatory roles that enable gene organization and control transcription. Cytoplasmic lncRNAs are less well understood, but accumulating evidence indicates that they also form complexes with diverse structural and regulatory functions. Here, we review our current knowledge of cytoplasmic lncRNAs and the different levels of gene regulation controlled by cytoplasmic lncRNA complexes, including mRNA turnover, translation, protein stability, sponging of cytosolic factors, and modulation of signaling pathways. We conclude by discussing areas of future study needed to elucidate comprehensively the biology of lncRNAs, to further understand the impact of lncRNAs on physiology and design lncRNA-centered therapeutic strategies. This article is categorized under: RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.

Source: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews - RNA

DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1471

Authors: Ji Heon Noh, Kyoung Mi Kim, Waverly G. McClusky, Kotb Abdelmohsen, Myriam Gorospe

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging

Language: English

Topic: Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging

Awards: G7423759087, Post-transcriptional control of Proliferation, Stress Response & Carcinogenesis