title: The functions of natural antisense transcripts.
abstract: NATs (natural antisense transcripts) are widespread in eukaryotic genomes. Experimental evidence indicates that sense and antisense transcripts interact, suggesting a role for NATs in the regulation of gene expression. On the other hand, the transcription of a gene locus in both orientations and RNA hybrid formation can also lead to transcriptional interference, trigger an immune response or induce gene silencing. Tissue-specific expression of NATs and the compartmentalization of cells ensure that the regulatory impact of NATs prevails. Consequently, NATs are now acknowledged as important modulators of gene expression. New mechanisms of action and important biological roles of NATs keep emerging, making regulatory RNAs an exciting and quickly moving area of research.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle NE2 4HH, UK.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wight
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Werner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism; D017393:RNA Editing / Q000235:genetics; D034622:RNA Interference; D016372:RNA, Antisense / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D016372:RNA, Antisense