title: Infectious long non-coding RNAs.
abstract: Long non protein coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute a large category of the RNA world, able to regulate different biological processes. In this review we are focusing on infectious lncRNAs, their classification, pathogenesis and impact on the infected organisms. Here they are presented in two separate groups: 'dependent lncRNAs' (comprising satellites RNA, Hepatitis D virus and lncRNAs of viral origin) which need a helper virus and 'independent lncRNAs' (viroids) that can self-replicate. Even though these lncRNA do not encode any protein, their structure and/or sequence comprise all the necessary information to drive specific interactions with host factors and regulate several cellular functions. These new data that have emerged during the last few years concerning lncRNAs modify the way we understand molecular biology's 'central dogma' and give new perspectives for applications and potential therapeutic strategies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: Konstantina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Katsarou
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521-01222, USA.
authors.forename: A L N
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: Mina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsagris
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Electronic address: kriton@imbb.forth.gr.
authors.forename: Kriton
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kalantidis
mesh_terms: D016679:Genome, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D003699:Hepatitis D / Q000821:virology; D003698:Hepatitis Delta Virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding / Q000235:genetics*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D014772:Viroids / Q000235:genetics*; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D012367:RNA, Viral
keywords: Hepatitis D virus; RNA satellites; Viroids; lncRNA