Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-3258, USA.
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2013 Sep;97(18):7989-97. doi: 10.1007/s00253-013-5160-y. Epub 2013 Aug 16.
RNA has long been regarded as the important intermediary in the central dogma of gene expression. Recently, the importance of RNAs in the regulation of gene expression became evident with the identification and characterization of non-protein coding transcripts named non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The ncRNAs, small and long, are ubiquitously present in all three domains of life and are being recognized for their important roles in genome defense and development. Some of the ncRNAs have been associated with diseases, and therefore, they offer diagnostic and therapeutic potential. In this mini-review, we have highlighted some recent research on the ncRNAs identified in eukaryotic microbes, with special emphasis on fungi that are pathogenic to humans or plants when possible. It is our contention that further elucidation and understanding of ncRNAs will advance our understanding of the development and pathogenesis of eukaryotic microbes and offer alternatives in the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases caused by these pathogens.
RNA 长期以来一直被认为是基因表达中心法则的重要中间产物。最近，随着非蛋白编码转录本（ncRNA）的鉴定和特征描述，RNA 在基因表达调控中的重要性变得明显。ncRNA 短小或长，普遍存在于所有生命的三个领域，并且由于其在基因组防御和发育中的重要作用而得到认可。一些 ncRNA 与疾病有关，因此具有诊断和治疗潜力。在这篇小型综述中，我们强调了在真核微生物中鉴定出的 ncRNA 的一些最新研究，如有可能，特别强调了对人类或植物致病的真菌。我们认为，进一步阐明和理解 ncRNA 将有助于我们理解真核微生物的发育和发病机制，并为这些病原体引起的疾病的诊断和治疗提供替代方法。
