title: Natural antisense transcription from a comparative perspective.
abstract: Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) can interfere with the expression of complementary sense transcripts with exquisite specificity. We have previously cloned NATs of Slc34a loci (encoding Na-phosphate transporters) from fish and mouse. Here we report the cloning of a human SLC34A1-related NAT that represents an alternatively spliced PFN3 transcript (Profilin3). The transcript is predominantly expressed in testis. Phylogenetic comparison suggests two distinct mechanisms producing Slc34a-related NATs: Alternative splicing of a transcript from a protein coding downstream gene (Pfn3, human/mouse) and transcription from the bi-directional promoter (Rbpja, zebrafish). Expression analysis suggested independent regulation of the complementary Slc34a mRNAs. Analysis of randomly selected bi-directionally transcribed human/mouse loci revealed limited phylogenetic conservation and independent regulation of NATs. They were reduced on X chromosomes and clustered in regions that escape inactivation. Locus structure and expression pattern suggest a NATs-associated regulatory mechanisms in testis unrelated to the physiological role of the sense transcript encoded protein.
authors.affiliation: RNA Interest Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Monica J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Piatek
authors.affiliation: RNA Interest Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.affiliation: RNA Interest Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Hany S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Zynad
authors.affiliation: RNA Interest Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Andreas.werner@ncl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Werner
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D003001:Cloning, Molecular / Q000379:methods*; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010802:Phylogeny; D051304:Profilins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D016372:RNA, Antisense / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D050613:Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Proteins, Type IIa / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D051304:Profilins; D016372:RNA, Antisense; C493554:SLC34A1 protein, human; D050613:Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Proteins, Type IIa
keywords: Evolution; Human; Mouse; Na-phosphate transport; Natural antisense transcript