title: The emerging roles of eRNAs in transcriptional regulatory networks.
abstract: Following reports by ENCyclopedia Of DNA Elements (ENCODE; GENCODE) Consortium and others, it is now fairly evident that the majority (70-80%) of the mammalian genome has the potential to be transcribed into non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Critical to our understanding of genetic processes is the mechanism by which ncRNAs exert their roles. Accordingly, ncRNAs are shown to regulate the expression of protein-coding loci (i.e., genes) at the transcriptional as well as post-transcriptional stages. We recently reported on a widespread transcription at the DNA enhancer elements in myogenic cells. In our study, we found certain enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) regulate chromatin accessibility of the transcriptional machinery at loci encoding master regulators of myogenesis (i.e., MyoD/MyoG), thus suggesting their significance and site-specific impact in cellular programming. Here, we examine recent discoveries pertinent to the proposed role(s) of eRNAs in regulating gene expression. We will highlight consistencies, discuss confounding observations, and consider a lack of critical information in a way to prioritize future objectives.
authors: Moderna Therapeutics Inc.; Cambridge, MA USA.
authors: Kambiz
authors: K
authors: Mousavi
authors: Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation; National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA.
authors: Hossein
authors: H
authors: Zare
authors: Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation; National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA.
authors: Miroslav
authors: M
authors: Koulnis
authors: Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation; National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA.
authors: Vittorio
authors: V
authors: Sartorelli
mesh_terms: D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism*; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D015894:Genome, Human; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D024510:Muscle Development; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D012313:RNA
keywords: chromatin; eRNA; enhancers; histones; mRNA synthesis; transcription