Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Stem cell fate is governed by complex transcriptional networks and dynamic chromatin architectures, with RNA molecules acting as critical regulators. Traditionally, small RNAs have been associated with gene silencing; however, growing evidence reveals that certain RNA species can also activate transcription, a phenomenon termed RNA activation (RNAa). This evolutionarily conserved mechanism functions through both synthetic small activating RNAs (saRNAs) and endogenous RNA molecules, including promoter-targeting microRNAs, small modulatory double-stranded RNAs, and circular RNAs. By modulating chromatin accessibility and engaging the transcriptional machinery, these RNAs orchestrate gene expression programs that control pluripotency maintenance and lineage-specific differentiation in stem cells. This review integrates emerging mechanistic insights and functional evidence to provide a comprehensive perspective on RNAa-mediated gene activation in stem cell biology and highlights its potential as a precise tool for controlling cell fate through epigenetic modulation.
Source: Biomolecules
DOI: 10.3390/biom16010005
Authors: Hyohi Lee, Jiin Moon, Seung-Kyoon Kim
Institution: Chungnam National University
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Awards: G6527327422, G794258583
OpenAlex ID: W7116055046