The NANCI-Nkx2.1 gene duplex buffers Nkx2.1 expression to maintain lung development and homeostasis.

ABSTRACT: A subset of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is spatially correlated with transcription factors (TFs) across the genome, but how these lncRNA-TF gene duplexes regulate tissue development and homeostasis is unclear. We identified a feedback loop within the NANCI (Nkx2.1-associated noncoding intergenic RNA)-Nkx2.1 gene duplex that is essential for buffering Nkx2.1 expression, lung epithelial cell identity, and tissue homeostasis. Within this locus, Nkx2.1 directly inhibits NANCI, while NANCI acts in cis to promote Nkx2.1 transcription. Although loss of NANCI alone does not adversely affect lung development, concurrent heterozygous mutations in both NANCI and Nkx2.1 leads to persistent Nkx2.1 deficiency and reprogramming of lung epithelial cells to a posterior endoderm fate. This disrupti

SUBMITTER: Herriges MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5458756 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature