Transcriptomics

Functional Impact of Non-Coding RNA (ncRNA)

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNA molecules that are transcribed from DNA but are not translated into proteins. Functional Impact of Non-Coding RNA (ncRNA) involves regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Those ncRNAs that appear to be involved in epigenetic processes can be divided into two main groups; the short ncRNAs (<30 nts) and the long ncRNAs (>200 nts). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained widespread attention in recent years as a potentially new and crucial layer of biological regulation. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) biochemically resemble mRNAs posited by Jacob and Monod, yet do not template protein synthesis. Rather, lncRNAs functioning as RNA genes to orchestrate genetic regulatory outputs. Today, lncRNA transcripts have emerged as a cryptic, but critical layer in the genetic regulatory code. It has been implicated in a range of developmental processes and diseases in which Long ncRNAs target proteins to specific genomic loci to affect transcription patterns. It also modulates the activity of protein-binding partners. They also act as precursors for small RNAs. John L. Rinn is the Alvin and Esta Star Associate professor of Stem Cell and Regerative Biology at Harvard University and Medical School and Senior Associate Member of the Broad Institute. Our research aims to understand the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in establishing the distinct epigenetic states of adult and embryonic cells and their misregulation in diseases such as cancer.