The molecular structure of long non-coding RNAs: emerging patterns and functional implications. (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chillón, Isabel; Marcia, Marco
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in biochemistry and molecular biology. Volume 55:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 662
• Page End: 690
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: RNA secondary and tertiary structure -- RNA chemical probing -- structural biology -- RNA evolution -- pseudoknots -- kissing loops -- right-turns -- RNA triple helix -- RNA protein interactions; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1828259
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-9238

Abstract

Abstract: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently-discovered transcripts that regulate vital cellular processes and are crucially connected to diseases. Despite their unprecedented molecular complexity, it is emerging that lncRNAs possess distinct structural motifs. Remarkably, the 3D shape and topology of full-length, native lncRNAs have been visualized for the first time in the last year. These studies reveal that lncRNA structures dictate lncRNA functions. Here, we review experimentally determined lncRNA structures and emphasize that lncRNA structural characterization requires synergistic integration of computational, biochemical and biophysical approaches. Based on these emerging paradigms, we discuss how to overcome the challenges posed by the complex molecular architecture of lncRNAs, with the goal of obtaining a detailed understanding of lncRNA functions and molecular mechanisms in the future.