{"title":"Nascent RNA at the crossroad of transcription and replication.","authors":"Ming-Yu Zhu, Yi-Zheng Zhang, Ting Guo, Jie Ren","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The concurrent processes of DNA replication and RNA transcription pose a significant challenge to genome integrity. Nascent RNA, the newly synthesized transcript, is emerging as a critical determinant of transcription-replication conflict (TRC) outcomes, exerting influence through its modifications, its ability to form RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops), its regulation of chromatin structure, and its interaction with protein complexes at the transcription-replication interface. Here, we synthesize recent advances on how nascent RNA modulates transcription dynamics, replication fork progression, and genome stability. We explore its paradoxical roles - both inducing replication stress and orchestrating protective responses - highlighting how RNA processing factors mitigate TRCs. Finally, we emphasize the need for innovative technologies to dissect the dynamic and context-dependent roles of nascent RNA and therapeutic potential for genomic instability-linked diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144509378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Invigorating ELSI: reflexive approaches to enhance policy development.","authors":"Tadafumi Kubota, Aviad Raz, Jusaku Minari","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>For 35 years, the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research Program has addressed the societal implications of genomic research. However, its policy impact remains controversial. Here, we propose practical approaches for enhancing its policy impact by leveraging sociological studies on technology and critical arguments raised by ELSI scholars themselves.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144327755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancing GWAS of human communication.","authors":"Rosa S Gisladottir","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The last decade has seen an explosion in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on almost any imaginable phenotype. Unfortunately, humanity's most distinctive trait - communication, broadly construed - has been underserved. In this forum article I review recent advances and promising avenues that may help us understand the genetics and evolution of human communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Selfish B chromosome evades genome elimination.","authors":"Cécile Courret","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The mealybug B chromosome evades paternal genome elimination (PGE) by mimicking maternal chromatin states, ensuring its transmission. Vea et al. conducted a detailed genomic and transcriptomic analysis, highlighting a histone acetyltransferase potentially driving this behavior. Their findings illuminate selfish chromosome strategies and epigenetic manipulation of inheritance systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144318725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexandra Schoenle, Ore Francis, John M Archibald, Fabien Burki, Jan de Vries, Kenneth Dumack, Laura Eme, Isabelle Florent, Elisabeth Hehenberger, Tarja T Hoffmeyer, Iker Irisarri, Enrique Lara, Michelle M Leger, Julius Lukeš, Ramon Massana, Varsha Mathur, Frank Nitsche, Jürgen F H Strassert, Alexandra Z Worden, Vyacheslav Yurchenko, Javier Del Campo, Ann-Marie Waldvogel
{"title":"Protist genomics: key to understanding eukaryotic evolution.","authors":"Alexandra Schoenle, Ore Francis, John M Archibald, Fabien Burki, Jan de Vries, Kenneth Dumack, Laura Eme, Isabelle Florent, Elisabeth Hehenberger, Tarja T Hoffmeyer, Iker Irisarri, Enrique Lara, Michelle M Leger, Julius Lukeš, Ramon Massana, Varsha Mathur, Frank Nitsche, Jürgen F H Strassert, Alexandra Z Worden, Vyacheslav Yurchenko, Javier Del Campo, Ann-Marie Waldvogel","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>All eukaryotes other than animals, plants, and fungi are protists. Protists are highly diverse and found in nearly all environments, with key roles in planetary health and biogeochemical cycles. They represent the majority of eukaryotic diversity, making them essential for understanding eukaryotic evolution. However, these mainly unicellular, microscopic organisms are understudied and the generation of protist genomes lags far behind most multicellular lineages. Current genomic methods, which are primarily designed for animals and plants, are poorly suited for protists. Advancing protist genome research requires reevaluating plant- and animal-centric genomic standards. Future efforts must leverage emerging technologies and bioinformatics tools, ultimately enhancing our understanding of eukaryotic molecular and cell biology, ecology, and evolution.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Architectural RNAs: blueprints for functional membraneless organelle assembly.","authors":"Tetsuro Hirose, Naoko Fujiwara, Kensuke Ninomiya, Tetsuya Yamamoto, Shinichi Nakagawa, Tomohiro Yamazaki","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Among the pervasive transcripts from eukaryotic genomes, a novel subset, referred to as architectural RNAs (arcRNAs), has an essential role in assembling membraneless organelles (MLOs). These arcRNAs sequester specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and promote phase separation through multivalent interactions. NEAT1_2, an archetypal arcRNA, serves as a blueprint for paraspeckle architecture, characterized by a shell-and-core micelle-like configuration and immiscibility with other MLOs, relying on the cooperative contributions of distinct modular RNA domains. arcRNAs regulate gene expression through three of MLO action modes (crucible, sponge, and hub), guided by the functional blueprints embedded in arcRNA sequences. Advanced high-throughput analyses have identified thousands of arcRNA candidates, underscoring their potential in organizing transient intracellular compartments and driving dynamic cellular processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruimin Xu, Yanhe Li, You Wu, Xiaoyu Liu, Shaorong Gao
{"title":"Epigenetic regulation in early embryo development: from zygotic genome activation to the first lineage specification.","authors":"Ruimin Xu, Yanhe Li, You Wu, Xiaoyu Liu, Shaorong Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epigenetic regulation plays a pivotal role in orchestrating early embryo development, guiding the transition from a totipotent zygote to a complex multicellular organism. This review summarizes the dynamic landscape of epigenetic reprogramming during preimplantation embryo development, emphasizing the interplay between DNA methylation, histone modifications, higher-order chromatin, transposable elements (TEs), and RNA modifications in resetting the parental epigenome. We also summarize the abnormal epigenetic reprogramming observed in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), as well as clinical disorders resulting from these epigenetic defects, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies and future research directions. We seek to elucidate the role of epigenetic modifications in developmental defects, offering perspectives to enhance both developmental biology studies and clinical applications of assisted reproduction.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144250802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigating RNA dynamics from single molecule transcriptomes.","authors":"Sahiti Somalraju, Doaa Hassan Salem, Sarath Chandra Janga","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Investigating RNA dynamics is crucial for uncovering fundamental mechanisms, such as alternative splicing, RNA stability, and post-transcriptional modifications, all processes with implications for identifying therapeutic targets and advancing knowledge of cellular function and regulation. Advances in long-read sequencing technologies, particularly from Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), offer unprecedented insights into RNA dynamics at single molecule and single nucleotide resolutions. In this review, we examine protocols and methods for analyzing RNA dynamics, focusing on isoform detection, poly(A) tail length quantification, and mapping of RNA modifications. We envision that these high-throughput, transcriptome-wide data sets, combined with integrated software systems, will transform workflows for studying single molecule RNA dynamics. Such advances will help unravel the complexities of gene regulation and deepen our understanding of cellular processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Huan Liao, Da Lu, Sonali N Reisinger, Mehrshad Rashidi Mehrabadi, Carolina Gubert, Anthony J Hannan
{"title":"Epigenetic effects of paternal environmental exposures and experiences on offspring phenotypes.","authors":"Huan Liao, Da Lu, Sonali N Reisinger, Mehrshad Rashidi Mehrabadi, Carolina Gubert, Anthony J Hannan","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.04.015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2025.04.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent decades have revealed increasing evidence for epigenetic inheritance through paternal environmental exposures and experiences, affecting offspring health outcomes across diverse species. Key epigenetic mediators in sperm may include DNA methylation, chromatin modifications, as well as small and long non-coding (nc)RNAs. Identified environmental influences extend beyond lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise, diet, alcohol, and nicotine use) to include stress, infections, pollutants, and other toxins. Evidence from humans, rodents, and other species suggests that various paternal exposures before conception substantially shape the phenotypes in offspring, via developmental modulation, including changes to brain and behavior, metabolism, endocrinology, and physiology. These findings raise concerns regarding human epigenetic inheritance, because the relevant environmental exposures have changed significantly in recent decades, potentially increasing the risk of future generations for various disorders ('transgenerational epigenopathy'). Here, we integrate evidence for paternal environmental exposures affecting offspring phenotypes, and associated epigenetic mechanisms, critically discussing potential implications for medicine and other scientific fields.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yichen Si, Joo Sang Lee, Goo Jun, Hyun Min Kang, Jun Hee Lee
{"title":"Spatial omics enters the microscopic realm: opportunities and challenges.","authors":"Yichen Si, Joo Sang Lee, Goo Jun, Hyun Min Kang, Jun Hee Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spatial transcriptomics (ST) enables systematic profiling of whole-transcriptome gene expression in tissues while preserving spatial context. Recent advances in sequencing- and imaging-based ST technologies have ushered in the era of microscopic-resolution ST (μST), allowing transcriptome mapping at cellular and even subcellular scales with unprecedented precision. Despite these advances, μST faces substantial challenges, including sparse transcript discovery per submicron (or micron)-sized spatial units and data fragmentation across platforms, hindering integration and analysis. There is also a growing demand for scalable, segmentation-free, and universally applicable analysis methods, as well as strategies for 3D mapping, multi-omics integration, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven spatial analysis. In this review, we highlight recent breakthroughs, outline key challenges, and discuss emerging experimental and computational solutions shaping the future of μST.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144217602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}