Long Non-Coding RNAs in Metabolic Organs and Energy Homeostasis

Abstract

Single cell organisms can surprisingly exceed the number of human protein-coding genes, which are thus not at the origin of the complexity of an organism. In contrast, the relative amount of non-protein-coding sequences increases consistently with organismal complexity. Moreover, the mammalian transcriptome predominantly comprises non-(protein)-coding RNAs (ncRNA), of which the long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) constitute the most abundant part. lncRNAs are highly species- and tissue-specific with very versatile modes of action in accordance with their binding to a large spectrum of molecules and their diverse localization. lncRNAs are transcriptional regulators adding an additional regulatory layer in biological processes and pathophysiological conditions. Here, we review lncRNAs affecting metabolic organs with a focus on the liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, brain, and adipose organ. In addition, we will discuss the impact of lncRNAs on metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. In contrast to the substantial number of lncRNA loci in the human genome, the functionally characterized lncRNAs are just the tip of the iceberg. So far, our knowledge concerning lncRNAs in energy homeostasis is still in its infancy, meaning that the rest of the iceberg is a treasure chest yet to be discovered.

LncRNA LINC00899 promotes progression of acute myeloid leukaemia by modulating miR‐744‐3p/YY1 signalling

“…[9][10][11][12] Their dysfunction and specific role in various diseases, especially cancer, have attracted more and more attention recently. [13][14][15] LncRNAs genomic mutants or alteration have been widely clarified to induce oncogenic effect in multiple cancer types, such as breast cancer, 16 colorectal cancer, 17 ovarian cancer, 18 gastric cancer, 19 lung cancer, 20 as well as AML. 21,22 Several lncRNAs, including lnc_071255/Pvt1, lnc_104449, or lnc_177417, are found essential for AML maintenance and normal differentiation.…”

Retracted Article: LncRNA OIP5-AS1 contributes to ox-LDL-induced inflammation and oxidative stress through regulating the miR-128-3p/CDKN2A axis in macrophages

“…Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), with an estimated 200 nucleotides, are a group of conserved RNAs that act as regulators in many human diseases, such as immune-related diseases, cancers, and metabolic diseases. [6][7][8] Furthermore, lncRNAs have been reported to play a role in the ox-LDL-induced cell processes associated with human diseases. 9,10 Also, lncRNA OIP5-AS1 promotes the apoptosis of ox-LDL-induced vascular endothelial cells by regulating GSK-3b, 11 meaning that OIP5-AS1 is related to the functional mechanism of ox-LDL.…”

Peer Review #3 of "Transcriptional factor regulation network and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network determining response of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (v0.1)"

“…Manuscript to be reviewed posttranscriptional communication network of all transcript RNA species including lincRNAs, which can act as natural miRNA sponges to inhibit miRNA functions by sharing miRNA response elements (MRE) (Giroud & Scheideler 2017). Emerging evidence has confirmed the importance of the ceRNA regulatory network of lincRNA-miRNA-mRNA in the initiation and progression of ESCC (Li et al 2017;Shang et al 2018;Yang et al 2016).…”