There and Back Again: Hox Clusters Use Both DNA Strands

Journal of Developmental Biology

Elena L. Novikova¹  Milana A. Kulakova¹ 

[1] Department of Embryology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab. 7–9, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia;

关键词: long noncoding RNAs;    lncRNAs;    antisense ncRNAs;    NATs;    linkRNAs;    Hox genes;   

DOI  :  10.3390/jdb9030028

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Bilaterian animals operate the clusters of Hox genes through a rich repertoire of diverse mechanisms. In this review, we will summarize and analyze the accumulated data concerning long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are transcribed from sense (coding) DNA strands of Hox clusters. It was shown that antisense regulatory RNAs control the work of Hox genes in cis and trans, participate in the establishment and maintenance of the epigenetic code of Hox loci, and can even serve as a source of regulatory peptides that switch cellular energetic metabolism. Moreover, these molecules can be considered as a force that consolidates the cluster into a single whole. We will discuss the examples of antisense transcription of Hox genes in well-studied systems (cell cultures, morphogenesis of vertebrates) and bear upon some interesting examples of antisense Hox RNAs in non-model Protostomia.

【 授权许可】

Unknown