Processing of snoRNAs as a new source of regulatory non-coding RNAs: snoRNA fragments form a new class of functional RNAs.

ABSTRACT: Recent experimental evidence suggests that most of the genome is transcribed into non-coding RNAs. The initial transcripts undergo further processing generating shorter, metabolically stable RNAs with diverse functions. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that modify rRNAs, tRNAs, and snRNAs that were considered stable. We review evidence that snoRNAs undergo further processing. High-throughput sequencing and RNase protection experiments showed widespread expression of snoRNA fragments, known as snoRNA-derived RNAs (sdRNAs). Some sdRNAs resemble miRNAs, these can associate with argonaute proteins and influence translation. Other sdRNAs are longer, form complexes with hnRNPs and influence gene expression. C/D box snoRNA fragmentation patterns are conserved across multiple cel

SUBMITTER: Falaleeva M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3732821 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature