Advances of Long Noncoding RNAs-mediated Regulation in Reproduction

Abstract

Objective:Advances in genomics and molecular biology have led to the discovery of a large group of uncharacterized long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Emerging evidence indicated that many lncRNAs function in multiple biological processes and its dysregulation often causes diseases. Recent studies suggested that almost all regulatory lncRNAs interact with biological macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and protein. LncRNAs regulate gene expression mainly on three levels, including epigenetic modification, transcription, and posttranscription, through DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. LncRNAs can also affect the development of diseases and therefore be used to diagnose and treat diseases. With new sequencing and microarray techniques, hundreds of lncRNAs involved in reproductive disorders have been identified, but their functions in these disorders are undefined.Data Sources:This review was based on articles published in PubMed databases up to July 10, 2017, with the following keywords: “long noncoding RNAs”, “LncRNA”, “placentation”, and “reproductive diseases”.Study Selection:Original articles and reviews on the topics were selected.Results:LncRNAs widely participate in various physiological and pathological processes as a new class of important regulatory factors. In spermatogenesis, spermatocytes divide and differentiate into mature spermatozoa. The whole process is elaborately regulated by the expression of phase-specific genes that involve many strains of lncRNAs. Literature showed that lncRNA in reproductive cumulus cells may contribute to the regulation of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development.Conclusions:LncRNA has been found to play a role in the development of reproduction. Meanwhile, we reviewed the studies on how lncRNAs participate in reproductive disorders, which provides a basis for the study of lncRNA in reproduction regulation.

Environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease

“…Within these ECRs are DNA methylation epimutations and long non-coding RNA (ncRNA) expression sites [ 114 ]. The long ncRNAs play a role in regulation of distal gene transcription and epigenetic regulation [ 115 , 116 ]. Observations suggest that within an ECR many of the genes are epigenetically regulated up or down as a block.…”

Expanding the Role of the Histone Lysine-Specific Demethylase LSD1 in Cancer

“…Recent studies propose lncRNAs as players in regulation of gene expression in immune cells and in a variety of human diseases, including cancers. Indeed, lncRNAs are involved in cancer development through different pathways; specifically, their deregulation induces cancer cells to initiate tumor growth and metastatic processes [65]. Various evidences have indicated that several lncRNA contribute to cancer cell phenotypes through the interaction with chromatin-modifying agents and proteins, such as the polycomb repressive complex 2, LSD1, CoREST, and SMCX.…”

Analysis of lncRNA Expression Profile during the Formation of Male Germ Cells in Chickens

“…Recently, emerging evidence revealed that a large number of lncRNAs are widely involved in regulating the development of the reproduction system [ 35 ]. However, there is still a lack of studies on the role of lncRNAs in the formation of male germ cells.…”