Non-coding RNAs and respiratory disease.
Recent scientific developments have radically changed the way we look at the vast 'non-coding' part of our genome. It is now clear that this genomic 'dark matter' is transcribed into myriads of RNA species that act behind the scenes to veto, or boost, the production of proteins in our cells. As a consequence, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent an additional layer of regulation for fundamental biological processes such as organ development, tissue repair and immunity. It also follows that disturbances in ncRNA networks (among which microRNAs and long ncRNAs are the best studied) can give rise to a whole range of pathological conditions. Increasing preclinical and translational evidence places ncRNAs as key players in a wide spectrum of diseases affecting the lung. In this concise review, we will provide essential concepts of ncRNA science, with special emphasis on discoveries relevant to the pulmonary physician.
Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Pieter
P
Mestdagh
Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Jo
J
Vandesompele
COPD Translational Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium Department of Epidemiology and Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Guy
G
Brusselle
Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Karim
K
Vermaelen
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*
D015415:Biomarkers; D022661:RNA, Untranslated
COPD ÀÜ Mechanisms; Cystic Fibrosis; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Lung Cancer