Small non-coding RNAs and genomic imprinting.
Experimental and computer-assisted approaches have led to the identification of hundreds of imprinted small RNA genes, mainly clustered in two chromosomal domains (human 15q11-->q13 and 14q32 loci). The genes are only detected in placental mammals and belong to the C/D RNA and microRNA gene families. These are small non-coding RNAs involved in RNA-guided post-transcriptional RNA modifications and RNA-mediated gene silencing, respectively. Here, we discuss their potential functions and report the identification of novel small RNA genes lying within (or nearby) known imprinted chromosomal domains.
Royo
H
H
LBME-CNRS, UMR 5099, IFR 109, Toulouse, France.
Bortolin
M-L
ML
Seitz
H
H
Cavaillé
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D002890:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 20; D002897:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7; D018392:Genomic Imprinting; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D035683:MicroRNAs; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D022661:RNA, Untranslated