Tackling Structures of Long Noncoding RNAs

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Irina V. Novikova¹  Scott P. Hennelly¹ 

[1] Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA;

关键词: long noncoding RNAs;    lncRNAs;    secondary structure;    chemical probing;    SHAPE;    epigenetics;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms141223672

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

RNAs are important catalytic machines and regulators at every level of gene expression. A new class of RNAs has emerged called long non-coding RNAs, providing new insights into evolution, development and disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) predominantly found in higher eukaryotes, have been implicated in the regulation of transcription factors, chromatin-remodeling, hormone receptors and many other processes. The structural versatility of RNA allows it to perform various functions, ranging from precise protein recognition to catalysis and metabolite sensing. While major housekeeping RNA molecules have long been the focus of structural studies, lncRNAs remain the least characterized class, both structurally and functionally. Here, we review common methodologies used to tackle RNA structure, emphasizing their potential application to lncRNAs. When considering the complexity of lncRNAs and lack of knowledge of their structure, chemical probing appears to be an indispensable tool, with few restrictions in terms of size, quantity and heterogeneity of the RNA molecule. Probing is not constrained to in vitro analysis and can be adapted to high-throughput sequencing platforms. Significant efforts have been applied to develop new in vivo chemical probing reagents, new library construction protocols for sequencing platforms and improved RNA prediction software based on the experimental evidence.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland