The role of small non-coding RNAs in genome stability and chromatin organization.
Small non-coding RNAs make up much of the RNA content of a cell and have the potential to regulate gene expression on many different levels. Initial discoveries in the 1990s and early 21st century focused on determining mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation mediated by small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). More recent research, however, has identified new classes of RNAs and new regulatory mechanisms, expanding the known regulatory potential of small non-coding RNAs to encompass chromatin regulation. In this Commentary, we provide an overview of these chromatin-related mechanisms and speculate on the extent to which they are conserved among eukaryotes.
van Wolfswinkel
Josien C
JC
Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Ketting
René F
RF
D000818:Animals; D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly / Q000235:genetics*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D042822:Genomic Instability; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*
D006657:Histones; D035683:MicroRNAs