Focus on Noncoding RNAs

The noncoding explosion - p1

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2952

The long-held view that the primary role of RNA is to code for proteins has been severely undermined. This Focus explores the remarkable functional diversity of RNA in light of recent breakthroughs in noncoding-RNA biology.

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Focus on Noncoding RNAs

Roles for noncoding RNAs in cell-fate determination and regeneration - pp2 - 4

Mo Li & Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2946

Cellular fate is determined by transcriptional networks and epigenetic states. In addition to protein factors, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs and long ncRNAs, are able to remodel transcriptional circuits and reshape epigenetic landscapes. This Commentary highlights the emerging roles of these ncRNAs in cellular reprogramming, transdifferentiation and organ regeneration.

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Focus on Noncoding RNAs

Discovery and annotation of long noncoding RNAs - pp5 - 7

John S Mattick & John L Rinn

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2942

Recent advances in RNA-sequencing technologies have led to the discovery of thousands of previously unannotated noncoding transcripts, including many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) whose functions remain largely unknown. Here, the authors discuss considerations and best practices in lncRNA identification and annotation, which we hope will foster functional and mechanistic exploration.

Full Text - Discovery and annotation of long noncoding RNAs | PDF (643 KB) - Discovery and annotation of long noncoding RNAs

Focus on Noncoding RNAs

Using synthetic RNAs as scaffolds and regulators - pp8 - 10

Cameron Myhrvold & Pamela A Silver

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2944

The natural versatility of RNA makes it an ideal substrate for bioengineering. Its structural properties and predictable base-pairing permit its use as molecular scaffold, and its ability to interact with nucleic acids, proteins and small molecules confers a regulatory potential that can be harvested to design RNA regulators in diverse contexts.

Full Text - Using synthetic RNAs as scaffolds and regulators | PDF (773 KB) - Using synthetic RNAs as scaffolds and regulators

Focus on Noncoding RNAs

Noncoding RNAs in eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis and function - pp11 - 19

Denis L J Lafontaine

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2939

The ribosome is a complex molecular machine that is central to protein synthesis. This Review highlights the various roles of noncoding RNAs during the different steps of ribosome biogenesis and discusses the consequences for ribosome function.

Abstract - Noncoding RNAs in eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis and function | Full Text - Noncoding RNAs in eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis and function | PDF (1,852 KB) - Noncoding RNAs in eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis and function

Focus on Noncoding RNAs

From guide to target: molecular insights into eukaryotic RNA-interference machinery - pp20 - 28

Jonathan J Ipsaro & Leemor Joshua-Tor

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2931

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which small noncoding RNAs direct molecular machinery to silence gene expression. In this Review, Ipsaro and Joshua-Tor discuss the mechanisms and structures that govern RNAi in higher organisms.

Abstract - From guide to target: molecular insights into eukaryotic RNA-interference machinery | Full Text - From guide to target: molecular insights into eukaryotic RNA-interference machinery | PDF (3,274 KB) - From guide to target: molecular insights into eukaryotic RNA-interference machinery

Focus on Noncoding RNAs

Technologies to probe functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs - pp29 - 35

Ci Chu, Robert C Spitale & Howard Y Chang

doi:10.1038/nsmb.2921

In this Perspective, Spitale, Chang and Chu discuss recent technological advances that will aid in the functional characterization of long noncoding RNAs, which up to now has posed a substantial challenge.

Abstract - Technologies to probe functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs | Full Text - Technologies to probe functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs | PDF (612 KB) - Technologies to probe functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs