Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle NE2 4HH, UK.
Essays Biochem. 2013;54:91-101. doi: 10.1042/bse0540091.
NATs (natural antisense transcripts) are widespread in eukaryotic genomes. Experimental evidence indicates that sense and antisense transcripts interact, suggesting a role for NATs in the regulation of gene expression. On the other hand, the transcription of a gene locus in both orientations and RNA hybrid formation can also lead to transcriptional interference, trigger an immune response or induce gene silencing. Tissue-specific expression of NATs and the compartmentalization of cells ensure that the regulatory impact of NATs prevails. Consequently, NATs are now acknowledged as important modulators of gene expression. New mechanisms of action and important biological roles of NATs keep emerging, making regulatory RNAs an exciting and quickly moving area of research.
NATs(自然反义转录本)广泛存在于真核生物基因组中。实验证据表明,有义转录本和反义转录本相互作用,这表明 NATs 在基因表达调控中发挥作用。另一方面,一个基因座的两个方向的转录和 RNA 杂交的形成也可能导致转录干扰,引发免疫反应或诱导基因沉默。NATs 的组织特异性表达和细胞的区室化确保了 NATs 的调节作用占主导地位。因此,NATs 现在被认为是基因表达的重要调节剂。NATs 的新作用机制和重要生物学作用不断涌现,使得调节 RNA 成为一个令人兴奋和快速发展的研究领域。