Transposable elements reveal a stem cell-specific class of long noncoding RNAs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Numerous studies over the past decade have elucidated a large set of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) in the human genome. Research since has shown that lincRNAs constitute an important layer of genome regulation across a wide spectrum of species. However, the factors governing their evolution and origins remain relatively unexplored. One possible factor driving lincRNA evolution and biological function is transposable element (TE) insertions. Here, we comprehensively characterize the TE content of lincRNAs relative to genomic averages and protein coding transcripts.

Results

Our analysis of the TE composition of 9,241 human lincRNAs revealed that, in sharp contrast to protein coding genes, 83% of lincRNAs contain a TE, and TEs comprise 42% of lincRNA sequ

SUBMITTER: Kelley D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3580499 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature