In the eukaryotic cell nucleus, chromatin and its associated macromolecules must be organized into a higher-ordered conformation to function normally. However, mechanisms underlying the organization and dynamics of th...In the eukaryotic cell nucleus, chromatin and its associated macromolecules must be organized into a higher-ordered conformation to function normally. However, mechanisms underlying the organization and dynamics of the nucleus remain unclear. Long noncoding RNAs(lnc RNAs), i.e., transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with little or no protein-coding capacity, are increasingly recognized as important regulators in diverse biological processes. Recent studies have shown that some lnc RNAs are involved in various aspects of genome organization, including the facilitation of chromosomal interactions and establishment of nuclear bodies, suggesting that lnc RNAs act as general organizers of the nuclear architecture. Here, we discuss recent advances in this emerging and intriguing field.展开更多
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(2011CBA011002015CB943000)+3 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(3137129691019001)Shanghai New Excellent Medicine Talents Program(XYQ2011036)Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Author Fund of China(201131)
文摘In the eukaryotic cell nucleus, chromatin and its associated macromolecules must be organized into a higher-ordered conformation to function normally. However, mechanisms underlying the organization and dynamics of the nucleus remain unclear. Long noncoding RNAs(lnc RNAs), i.e., transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with little or no protein-coding capacity, are increasingly recognized as important regulators in diverse biological processes. Recent studies have shown that some lnc RNAs are involved in various aspects of genome organization, including the facilitation of chromosomal interactions and establishment of nuclear bodies, suggesting that lnc RNAs act as general organizers of the nuclear architecture. Here, we discuss recent advances in this emerging and intriguing field.
