Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, 80131, Naples, Italy.
Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, 80131, Naples, Italy.
Cell Mol Life Sci. 2019 Apr;76(8):1459-1471. doi: 10.1007/s00018-018-3000-z. Epub 2019 Jan 3.
LncRNAs have recently emerged as new and fundamental transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators acting at multiple levels of gene expression. Indeed, lncRNAs participate in a wide variety of stem cell and developmental processes, acting in cis and/or in trans in the nuclear and/or in the cytoplasmic compartments, and generating an intricate network of interactions with RNAs, enhancers, and chromatin-modifier complexes. Given the versatility of these molecules to operate in different subcellular compartments, via different modes of action and with different target specificity, the interest in this research field is rapidly growing. Here, we review recent progress in defining the functional role of lncRNAs in stem cell biology with a specific focus on the underlying mechanisms. We also discuss recent findings on a new family of evolutionary conserved lncRNAs transcribed from ultraconserved elements, which show perfect conservation between human, mouse, and rat genomes, and that are emerging as new player in this complex scenario.
长非编码 RNA 最近被认为是一种新的、基本的转录后调控因子，可以在多个基因表达水平上发挥作用。事实上，长非编码 RNA 参与了广泛的干细胞和发育过程，在核和/或细胞质区室中顺式和/或反式作用，并与 RNA、增强子和染色质修饰复合物形成复杂的相互作用网络。鉴于这些分子在不同的亚细胞区室中以不同的作用模式和不同的靶标特异性发挥作用的多功能性，该研究领域的兴趣正在迅速增长。在这里，我们回顾了最近在定义长非编码 RNA 在干细胞生物学中的功能作用方面的进展，特别关注潜在的机制。我们还讨论了最近在从超保守元件转录的一类进化上保守的长非编码 RNA 方面的发现，这些 RNA 在人类、小鼠和大鼠基因组之间具有完美的保守性，并且正在成为这一复杂情景中的新角色。
