UBA1-CDK16 : A female-specific chimeric RNA emerging through evolution and involved in immune regulation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Chimeric RNAs resulting from intergenic splicing represent a distinct mechanism for transcriptome expansion. To explore the role of this previously unidentified layer of the transcriptome in sex-specific immunity, we analyzed RNA sequencing data from 425 blood samples and identified a female-specific chimeric RNA, UBA1-CDK16 , which was further validated in more than 1200 blood samples. This chimeric RNA forms via cis-splicing between two adjacent X-linked parental genes, UBA1 and CDK16 , despite both being expressed in both sexes. We demonstrated that a female-specific chromatin loop at the UBA1-CDK16 junction sites facilitates the intergenic splicing. Evolutionary analysis revealed that UBA1-CDK16 became female specific in humans through at least two independent paths. Functional studies suggested that UBA1-CDK16 is enriched in the myeloid lineage and may regulate myeloid cell development. Notably, its abnormal expression in female patients with COVID-19 correlates with altered neutrophil counts, highlighting its potential role in the disease progression.
Source: Science Advances
Institutions: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Virginia, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Shanxi Agricultural University, Zhengzhou University, Guangxi Medical University, Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ascentage Pharma Group Inc. (United States), University of Pennsylvania
Language: English
Topic: RNA Research and Splicing
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W7162776698