Genetic regulation by non-coding RNAs.
Large scale cDNA sequencing and genome tiling array studies have shown that around 50% of genomic DNA in humans is transcribed, of which 2% is translated into proteins and the remaining 98% is non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). There is mounting evidence that these ncRNAs play critical roles in regulating DNA structure, RNA expression, protein translation and protein functions through multiple genetic mechanisms, and thus affect normal development of organisms at all levels. Today, we know very little about the regulatory mechanisms and functions of these ncRNAs, which is clearly essential knowledge for understanding the secret of life. To promote this emerging research subject of critical importance, in this paper we review (1) ncRNAs' past and present, (2) regulatory mechanisms and their functions, (3) experimental strategies for identifying novel ncRNAs, (4) experimental strategies for investigating their functions, and (5) methodologies and examples of the application of ncRNAs.
Qi
Liwang
L
Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China. lwqi@caf.ac.cn
Li
Xinmin
X
Zhang
Shougong
S
An
Daochang
D
D030561:Databases, Nucleic Acid; D004303:Dosage Compensation, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015723:Gene Library; D018392:Genomic Imprinting; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics; D011485:Protein Binding; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics* / Q000266:history / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D035683:MicroRNAs; D011506:Proteins; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D022661:RNA, Untranslated