Point-of-View

RNA templating the epigenome: Long noncoding RNAs as molecular scaffolds

Volume 6, Issue 5   May 2011
Pages 539 - 543
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/epi.6.5.15221
Keywords: Chromatin, RNA
Authors: Robert C. Spitale, Miao-Chih Tsai and Howard Y. Chang

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Abstract:
Cellular pathways must be synergized, controlled and organized to manage homeostasis. To achieve high selectivity within the crowded cellular milieu the cell utilizes scaffolding complexes whose role is to bring molecules in proximity thereby controlling and enhancing intermolecular interactions and signaling events. To date, scaffolds have been shown to be composed of proteinaceous units; however, recent evidence has supported the idea that non-coding RNAs may also play a similar role. In this point of view article we discuss recent data on ncRNA scaffolds, with particular focus on ncRNA HOTAIR. Using our current knowledge of signaling networks we discuss the role that RNA may play in writing and regulating histone modifications and the information needed for correct gene expression. Further, we speculate on additional, yet undiscovered roles that ncRNAs may be playing as molecular scaffolds.

Received: January 7, 2011; Accepted: February 17, 2011

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