Extensive terminal and asymmetric processing of small RNAs from rRNAs, snoRNAs, snRNAs, and tRNAs.

ABSTRACT: Deep sequencing studies frequently identify small RNA fragments of abundant RNAs. These fragments are thought to represent degradation products of their precursors. Using sequencing, computational analysis, and sensitive northern blot assays, we show that constitutively expressed non-coding RNAs such as tRNAs, snoRNAs, rRNAs and snRNAs preferentially produce small 5' and 3' end fragments. Similar to that of microRNA processing, these terminal fragments are generated in an asymmetric manner that predominantly favors either the 5' or 3' end. Terminal-specific and asymmetric processing of these small RNAs occurs in both mouse and human cells. In addition to the known processing of some 3' terminal tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) by the RNase III endonuclease Dicer, we show that several RNase fa

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3413118 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature