title: Non-coding RNAs in muscle differentiation and musculoskeletal disease.
abstract: RNA is likely to be the most rediscovered macromolecule in biology. Periodically, new non-canonical functions have been ascribed to RNA, such as the ability to act as a catalytic molecule or to work independently from its coding capacity. Recent annotations show that more than half of the transcriptome encodes for RNA molecules lacking coding activity. Here we illustrate how these transcripts affect skeletal muscle differentiation and related disorders. We discuss the most recent scientific discoveries that have led to the identification of the molecular circuitries that are controlled by RNA during the differentiation process and that, when deregulated, lead to pathogenic events. These findings will provide insights that can aid in the development of new therapeutic interventions for muscle diseases.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ballarino
authors.forename: Mariangela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morlando
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fatica
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bozzoni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D024510:Muscle Development / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D032448:Myoblasts, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D059467:Transcriptome
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D005819:Genetic Markers; D035683:MicroRNAs; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated