The multifaceted hTR telomerase RNA from a structural perspective: Distinct domains of hTR differentially interact with protein partners to orchestrate its telomerase-independent functions

Deletion of 184-188 Nucleotides of Human Telomerase RNA Does Not Affect the Telomerase Functioning

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex, the main components of which are telomerase RNA and reverse transcriptase. Previously, it was shown in our laboratory that human telomerase RNA contains an open reading frame starting at adenine in position 176. The open reading frame encodes the hTERP protein, and the deletion of nucleotides 184-188 of human telomerase RNA disrupts the open reading frame and leads to the absence of hTERP. Human telomerase RNA has a conserved structure, changes in which affect telomerase activity. In this work, we have shown that the deletion of nucleotides 184-188 of telomerase RNA does not affect the functioning of telomerase.

Long non‑coding RNAs interact with RNA‑binding proteins to regulate genomic instability in cancer cells (Review)

Genomic instability, a feature of most cancers, contributes to malignant cell transformation and cancer progression due to the accumulation of genetic alterations. Genomic instability is reflected at numerous levels, from single nucleotide to the chromosome levels. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and regulators of genomic instability in cancer remain unclear. Growing evidence indicates that the binding of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to protein chaperones confers a variety of regulatory functions, including managing of genomic instability. The aim of the present review was to examine the roles of mitosis, telomeres, DNA repair, and epigenetics in genomic instability, and the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate them by binding proteins in cancer cells. This review contributes to our understanding of the role of lncRNAs and genomic instability in cancer and can potentially provide entry points and molecular targets for cancer therapies.

Current Status of Regulatory Non-Coding RNAs Research in the Tritryp

Trypanosomatids are protozoan parasites that cause devastating vector-borne human diseases. Gene expression regulation of these organisms depends on post-transcriptional control in responding to diverse environments while going through multiple developmental stages of their complex life cycles. In this scenario, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are excellent candidates for a very efficient, quick, and economic strategy to regulate gene expression. The advent of high throughput RNA sequencing technologies show the presence and deregulation of small RNA fragments derived from canonical ncRNAs. This review seeks to depict the ncRNA landscape in trypanosomatids, focusing on the small RNA fragments derived from functional RNA molecules observed in RNA sequencing studies. Small RNA fragments derived from canonical ncRNAs (tsRNAs, snsRNAs, sdRNAs, and sdrRNAs) were identified in trypanosomatids. Some of these RNAs display changes in their levels associated with different environments and developmental stages, demanding further studies to determine their functional characterization and potential roles. Nevertheless, a comprehensive and detailed ncRNA annotation for most trypanosomatid genomes is still needed, allowing better and more extensive comparative and functional studies.