Pericentromeric satellite RNAs as flexible protein partners in the regulation of nuclear structure.
Mariana LopesSandra LouzadaMargarida Gama-CarvalhoRaquel ChavesPublished in: Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. RNA (2024)
Pericentromeric heterochromatin is mainly composed of satellite DNA sequences. Although being historically associated with transcriptional repression, some pericentromeric satellite DNA sequences are transcribed. The transcription events of pericentromeric satellite sequences occur in highly flexible biological contexts. Hence, the apparent randomness of pericentromeric satellite transcription incites the discussion about the attribution of biological functions. However, pericentromeric satellite RNAs have clear roles in the organization of nuclear structure. Silencing pericentromeric heterochromatin depends on pericentromeric satellite RNAs, that, in a feedback mechanism, contribute to the repression of pericentromeric heterochromatin. Moreover, pericentromeric satellite RNAs can also act as scaffolding molecules in condensate subnuclear structures (e.g., nuclear stress bodies). Since the formation/dissociation of nuclear condensates provides cell adaptability, pericentromeric satellite RNAs can be an epigenetic platform for regulating (sub)nuclear structure. We review current knowledge about pericentromeric satellite RNAs that, irrespective of the meaning of biological function, should be functionally addressed in regular and disease settings. This article is categorized under: RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
Keyphrases
- transcription factor
- healthcare
- gene expression
- nucleic acid
- small molecule
- induced apoptosis
- mesenchymal stem cells
- single cell
- cell proliferation
- computed tomography
- circulating tumor
- hepatitis c virus
- magnetic resonance imaging
- hiv infected
- circulating tumor cells
- antiretroviral therapy
- hiv testing
- advanced cancer