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Larcher LM, Pitout IL, Keegan NP, Veedu RN, Fletcher S. DNAzymes: Expanding the Potential of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023. [PMID: 37093127 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids drugs have been proven in the clinic as a powerful modality to treat inherited and acquired diseases. However, key challenges including drug stability, renal clearance, cellular uptake, and movement across biological barriers (foremost the blood-brain barrier) limit the translation and clinical efficacy of nucleic acid-based therapies, both systemically and in the central nervous system. In this study we provide an overview of an emerging class of nucleic acid therapeutic, called DNAzymes. In particular, we review the use of chemical modifications and carrier molecules for the stabilization and/or delivery of DNAzymes in cell and animal models. Although this review focuses on DNAzymes, the strategies described are broadly applicable to most nucleic acid technologies. This review should serve as a general guide for selecting chemical modifications to improve the therapeutic performance of DNAzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon M Larcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Ianthe L Pitout
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Niall P Keegan
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
- Discovery, PYC Therapeutics, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Rakesh N Veedu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
- Precision Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
- Discovery, PYC Therapeutics, Nedlands, Australia
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2
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Tang Y, Shen Y, Hong Y, Zhang Z, Zhai Q, Fu Z, Li H, Lu K, Lin J. miR-181a regulates the host immune response against Schistosoma japonicum infection through the TLR4 receptor pathway. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:548. [PMID: 34689797 PMCID: PMC8543936 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis japonica is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease. Preliminary studies have shown that the expression of microRNA-181a (miR-181a) in the liver, lung and spleen tissues of susceptible host BALB/c mice and resistant host reed vole (Microtus fortis) 10 days post-infection (dpi) with Schistosoma japonicum was significantly different from pre-infection levels. This difference suggests the possibility that miR-181a expression may be related to the regulation of the hosts’ early immune response against S. japonicum infection and thereby affect the development and survival of parasites in their final hosts. Methods BALB/c mice, M. fortis, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-deficient mice and wild-type mice (C57BL/6) were infected with S. japonicum, and differences in miR-181a expression between BALB/c mice and M. fortis over different time points post-infection (0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 dpi) were compared. MiR-181a mimic, miR-181a inhibitor and irrelevant miRNA, as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 receptor ligand, were used to transfect mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. The expression levels of the TLR4 pathway-related cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-6 were detected by quantitative PCR analysis. Results The expression of miR-181a was significantly upregulated in the serum and liver of mice infected with S. japonicum and downregulated in the serum and liver of M. fortis. T-helper cell (Th1)-type cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and Th2-type cytokines, such as IL-10 and IL-4, were differentially expressed in M. fortis and BALB/c mice in the early stage of infection. The expression level of miR-181a in the serum was threefold higher in TLR4-deficient mice than in wild-type mice 10 dpi with S. japonicum. The expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 decreased in RAW264.7 cells transfected with miR-181a mimic and increased in cells transfected with miR-181a inhibitor. miR-181a expression was downregulated and the expressions of TLR4 and three TLR4 pathway-related cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were upregulated in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with the TLR4 receptor ligand LPS. Conclusion These results suggest the possibility of mutual regulation between miR-181a and the TLR4 signaling pathway during S. japonicum infection. miR-181a may regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors through the TLR4 receptor pathway and participate in the immunomodulatory effect of anti-S. japonicum infection. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Tang
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
| | - Yuanxi Shen
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
| | - Yang Hong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.
| | - Zuhang Zhang
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zhai
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China.
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3
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Li X, Yang F, Zhou W, Yuan R, Xiang Y. Targeted and direct intracellular delivery of native DNAzymes enables highly specific gene silencing. Chem Sci 2020; 11:8966-8972. [PMID: 34123151 PMCID: PMC8163450 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc03974h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNAzymes exhibit high potential as gene silencing agents for therapeutic applications. Such purposes, however, are significantly challenged by the targeted and successful delivery of unmodified DNAzymes into cells with minimal side effects. Here, we set out to formulate and demonstrate a new stimuli-responsive and constrained aptamer/DNAzyme (Apt/Dz) catenane nanostructure for highly specific gene silencing. The rational design of the Apt/Dz catenane nanostructure with the respective integration of the aptamer sequence and the completely closed catenane format enables both the targeted capability and significantly improved nuclease resistance, facilitating the stable and targeted delivery of unmodified Dz into cancer cells. Moreover, the Dz enzymatic activity in the constrained structure can only be conditionally regulated by the specific intracellular mRNA sequences to silence the target gene with highly reduced side effects. Results show that the Apt/Dz catenane nanostructure can effectively inhibit the expression of the target gene and the proliferation of cancer cells with high specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 P. R. China
| | - Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 P. R. China
| | - Wenjiao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 P. R. China
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 P. R. China
| | - Yun Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 P. R. China
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Sousa‐Franco A, Rebelo K, da Rocha ST, Bernardes de Jesus B. LncRNAs regulating stemness in aging. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12870. [PMID: 30456884 PMCID: PMC6351848 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most outstanding observations from next-generation sequencing approaches was that only 1.5% of our genes code for proteins. The biggest part is transcribed but give rise to different families of RNAs without coding potential. The functional relevance of these abundant transcripts remains far from elucidated. Among them are the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a relatively large and heterogeneous group of RNAs shown to be highly tissue-specific, indicating a prominent role in processes controlling cellular identity. In particular, lncRNAs have been linked to both stemness properties and detrimental pathways regulating the aging process, being novel players in the intricate network guiding tissue homeostasis. Here, we summarize the up-to-date information on the role of lncRNAs that affect stemness and hence impact upon aging, highlighting the likelihood that lncRNAs may represent an unexploited reservoir of potential therapeutic targets for reprogramming applications and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Sousa‐Franco
- Instituto de Medicina MolecularFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Kenny Rebelo
- Instituto de Medicina MolecularFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Simão Teixeira da Rocha
- Instituto de Medicina MolecularFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Bruno Bernardes de Jesus
- Instituto de Medicina MolecularFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine—iBiMEDUniversity of AveiroAveiroPortugal
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5
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Sarasamma S, Varikkodan MM, Liang ST, Lin YC, Wang WP, Hsiao CD. Zebrafish: A Premier Vertebrate Model for Biomedical Research in Indian Scenario. Zebrafish 2017; 14:589-605. [PMID: 29023224 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a versatile model organism that has been used in biomedical research for several decades to study a wide range of biological phenomena. There are many technical advantages of using zebrafish over other vertebrate models. They are readily available, hardy, easy, and inexpensive to maintain in the laboratory, have a short life cycle, and have excellent fecundity. Due to its optical clarity and reproducible capabilities, it has become one of the predominant models of human genetic diseases. Zebrafish research has made rapid strides in the United States and Europe, but in India the field is at an early stage and many researchers still remain unaware of the full research potential of this tiny fish. The zebrafish model system was introduced into India in the early 2000s. Up to now, more than 200 scientific referred articles have been published by Indian researchers. This review gives an overview of the current state of knowledge for zebrafish research in India, with the aim of promoting wider utilization of zebrafish for high level biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeja Sarasamma
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University , Chung-Li, Taiwan .,2 Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University , Chung-Li, Taiwan .,3 Department of Chemical Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology , Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Muhammed Muhsin Varikkodan
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University , Chung-Li, Taiwan .,2 Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University , Chung-Li, Taiwan .,4 Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bharathidasan University , Tiruchirapalli, India
| | - Sung-Tzu Liang
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University , Chung-Li, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chang Lin
- 5 Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Culture University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Pin Wang
- 6 Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University , Hualien, Taiwan .,7 Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University , Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University , Chung-Li, Taiwan .,8 Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University , Chung-Li, Taiwan .,9 Center for Nanotechnology, Chung Yuan Christian University , Chung-Li, Taiwan
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7
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Abstract
microRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) that post-transcriptionally regulate gene (mRNA) expression and are implicated in many biological processes and diseases. Many miRNAs have been reported to be altered in cardiovascular disease (CVD); both cellular and extracellular miRNA levels are affected by hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. We and other groups have reported that lipoproteins transport miRNAs in circulation and these lipoprotein signatures are significantly altered in hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease (CAD). Extracellular miRNAs are a new class of potential biomarkers for CVD; however, they may also be new drug targets as high-density lipoproteins (HDL) transfer functional miRNAs to recipient cells in an endocrine-like form of intercellular communication that likely suppresses vascular inflammation. Recently, RNA-based drugs have emerged as the next frontier in drug therapy, and there are many miRNA inhibitors and mimics in clinical development. Here, we discuss specific miRNA drug targets and how their manipulation may impact CVD. We also address the potential for manipulating HDL-miRNA levels to treat CVD and the use of HDL as a delivery vehicle for RNA and chemical drugs. Finally, we outline the current and future challenges for HDL and miRNA-based therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Michell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kasey C Vickers
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
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Jayaraj GG, Nahar S, Maiti S. Nonconventional chemical inhibitors of microRNA: therapeutic scope. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:820-31. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cc04514a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of genomically encoded small RNA molecules (∼22nts in length), which regulate gene expression post transcriptionally. miRNAs are implicated in several diseases, thus modulation of miRNA is of prime importance. Small molecules offer a non-conventional alternative to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Gunanathan Jayaraj
- Chemical & Systems Biology Unit
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
- New Delhi
- India 110020
- AcSIR – Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research
| | - Smita Nahar
- Chemical & Systems Biology Unit
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
- New Delhi
- India 110020
- AcSIR – Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research
| | - Souvik Maiti
- Chemical & Systems Biology Unit
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
- New Delhi
- India 110020
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
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9
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Deng YB, Nong LG, Liang ZR, Zhang L, Qin YH, He P. Hepatitis C virus gene-specific locked nucleic acid enzyme significantly inhibits C gene expression in vitro. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2014; 22:1992-1997. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v22.i14.1992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of locked nucleic acid enzyme targeting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) C gene on HCV RNA replication and expression in HepG2.9706 cells.
METHODS: The sequences encoding DNAzyme, thiolmodificated DNAzyme and LNAzyme targeting the HCV C gene were designed and synthesized. The following experimental groups were set up: lipo-DNAzyme, lipo-S-DNAzyme, lipo-LNAzyme, blank control, empty liposomes, and lipo-random-LNAzyme. Transfection was performed using cationic liposomes. The level of HCV RNA and luciferase gene expression in supernatants were tested by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and chemiluminescence technique 24, 48 and 96 h after treatment, respectively. Cytotoxicity of LNAzyme was evaluated by MTT assay.
RESULTS: Significant down-regulation of HCV RNA replication and luciferase gene expression was noted in the lipo-LNAzyme group, lipo-DNAzyme group and lipo-S-DNAzyme group compared with the control group (P < 0.05 for all). Relative to the lipo-DNAzyme group and lipo-S-DNAzyme group, the average inhibition rates in the lipo-LNAzyme group were 47.55% and 52.44%, respectively. With the prolongation of the treatment time, the inhibition rate increased. At 96 h, HCR RNA replication and fluorescent protein expression were significantly lower than those before treatment in the lipo-LNAzyme group (P < 0.01 for both), and the average inhibition rates were 79.40% and 84.05%, respectively. No obvious toxicity was observed.
CONCLUSION: LNAzyme has a significant inhibitory effect on HCV C gene replication and expression in vitro, which is stronger than that of the thiolmodificated DNAzyme.
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Basu S, Sachidanandan C. Zebrafish: a multifaceted tool for chemical biologists. Chem Rev 2013; 113:7952-80. [PMID: 23819893 DOI: 10.1021/cr4000013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Basu
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) , South Campus, New Delhi 110025, India
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Knauss JL, Sun T. Regulatory mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs in vertebrate central nervous system development and function. Neuroscience 2013; 235:200-14. [PMID: 23337534 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as an important class of molecules that regulate gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels through a wide array of mechanisms. This regulation is of particular importance in the central nervous system (CNS), where precise modulation of gene expression is required for proper neuronal and glial production, connection and function. There are relatively few functional studies that characterize lncRNA mechanisms, but possible functions can often be inferred based on existing examples and the lncRNA's relative genomic position. In this review, we will discuss mechanisms of lncRNAs as predicted by genomic contexts and the possible impact on CNS development, function, and disease pathogenesis. There is no doubt that investigation of the mechanistic role of lncRNAs will open a new and exciting direction in studying CNS development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Knauss
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States.
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Bhartiya D, Kapoor S, Jalali S, Sati S, Kaushik K, Sachidanandan C, Sivasubbu S, Scaria V. Conceptual approaches for lncRNA drug discovery and future strategies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2012; 7:503-13. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2012.682055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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