{"title":"Noncoding RNAs: Emerging regulators of behavioral complexity","authors":"Sanovar Dayal, Divya Chaubey, Dheeraj Chandra Joshi, Samruddhi Ranmale, Beena Pillai","doi":"10.1002/wrna.1847","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1847","url":null,"abstract":"The mammalian genome encodes thousands of non−coding RNAs (ncRNAs), ranging in size from about 20 nucleotides (microRNAs or miRNAs) to kilobases (long non−coding RNAs or lncRNAs). ncRNAs contribute to a layer of gene regulation that could explain the evolution of massive phenotypic complexity even as the number of protein-coding genes remains unaltered. We propose that low conservation, poor expression, and highly restricted spatiotemporal expression patterns—conventionally considered ncRNAs may affect behavior through direct, rapid, and often sustained regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, or translational levels. Besides these direct roles, their effect during neurodevelopment may manifest as behavioral changes later in the organism's life, especially when exposed to environmental cues like stress and seasonal changes. The lncRNAs affect behavior through diverse mechanisms like sponging of miRNAs, recruitment of chromatin modifiers, and regulation of alternative splicing. We highlight the need for synthesis between rigorously designed behavioral paradigms in model organisms and the wide diversity of behaviors documented by ethologists through field studies on organisms exquisitely adapted to their environmental niche. Comparative genomics and the latest advancements in transcriptomics provide an unprecedented scope for merging field and lab studies on model and non−model organisms to shed light on the role of ncRNAs in driving the behavioral responses of individuals and groups. We touch upon the technical challenges and contentious issues that must be resolved to fully understand the role of ncRNAs in regulating complex behavioral traits.","PeriodicalId":519538,"journal":{"name":"WIREs RNA","volume":"105 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140839408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WIREs RNAPub Date : 2024-05-03DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1851
Wei Xu, Huiting Li, Ziyao Wang, Yan Kang, Luojie Zheng, Yiping Liu, Ping Xu, Zheng Li
{"title":"LINC00152: Potential driver oncogene in pan-cancer","authors":"Wei Xu, Huiting Li, Ziyao Wang, Yan Kang, Luojie Zheng, Yiping Liu, Ping Xu, Zheng Li","doi":"10.1002/wrna.1851","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1851","url":null,"abstract":"Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are a class of non-coding RNAs greater than 200 bp in length with limited peptide-coding function. The transcription of <i>LINC00152</i> is derived from chromosome 2p11.2. Many studies prove that <i>LINC00152</i> influences the progression of various tumors via promoting the tumor cells malignant phenotype, chemoresistance, and immune escape. <i>LINC00152</i> is regulated by multiple transcription factors and DNA hypomethylation. In addition, <i>LINC00152</i> participates in the regulation of complex molecular signaling networks through epigenetic regulation, protein interactions, and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Here, we provide a systematic review of the upstream regulatory factors of <i>LINC00152</i> expression level in different types of tumors. In addition, we revisit the main functions and mechanisms of <i>LINC00152</i> as driver oncogene and biomarker in pan-cancer.","PeriodicalId":519538,"journal":{"name":"WIREs RNA","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140839402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current advances in circular RNA detection and investigation methods: Are we running in circles?","authors":"Rareș Drula, Cornelia Braicu, Ioana-Berindan Neagoe","doi":"10.1002/wrna.1850","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1850","url":null,"abstract":"Circular RNAs (circRNAs), characterized by their closed-loop structure, have emerged as significant transcriptomic regulators, with roles spanning from microRNA sponging to modulation of gene expression and potential peptide coding. The discovery and functional analysis of circRNAs have been propelled by advancements in both experimental and bioinformatics tools, yet the field grapples with challenges related to their detection, isoform diversity, and accurate quantification. This review navigates through the evolution of circRNA research methodologies, from early detection techniques to current state-of-the-art approaches that offer comprehensive insights into circRNA biology. We examine the limitations of existing methods, particularly the difficulty in differentiating circRNA isoforms and distinguishing circRNAs from their linear counterparts. A critical evaluation of various bioinformatics tools and novel experimental strategies is presented, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to enhance our understanding and interpretation of circRNA functions. Our insights underscore the dynamic and rapidly advancing nature of circRNA research, highlighting the ongoing development of analytical frameworks designed to address the complexity of circRNAs and facilitate the assessment of their clinical utility. As such, this comprehensive overview aims to catalyze further advancements in circRNA study, fostering a deeper understanding of their roles in cellular processes and potential implications in disease.","PeriodicalId":519538,"journal":{"name":"WIREs RNA","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140839407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WIREs RNAPub Date : 2024-04-17DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1849
Peter Sarkies
{"title":"The curious case of the disappearing piRNAs","authors":"Peter Sarkies","doi":"10.1002/wrna.1849","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1849","url":null,"abstract":"Small non-coding RNAs are key regulators of gene expression across eukaryotes. Piwi-interacting small RNAs (piRNAs) are a specific type of small non-coding RNAs, conserved across animals, which are best known as regulators of genome stability through their ability to target transposable elements for silencing. Despite the near ubiquitous presence of piRNAs in animal lineages, there are some examples where the piRNA pathway has been lost completely, most dramatically in nematodes where loss has occurred in at least four independent lineages. In this perspective I will provide an evaluation of the presence of piRNAs across animals, explaining how it is known that piRNAs are missing from certain organisms. I will then consider possible explanations for why the piRNA pathway might have been lost and evaluate the evidence in favor of each possible mechanism. While it is still impossible to provide definitive answers, these theories will prompt further investigations into why such a highly conserved pathway can nevertheless become dispensable in certain lineages.","PeriodicalId":519538,"journal":{"name":"WIREs RNA","volume":"268 26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140806849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}