The long non-coding RNA <i>ROCR</i> contributes to SOX9 expression and chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

ABSTRACT: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed in a highly tissue-specific manner and function in various aspects of cell biology, often as key regulators of gene expression. In this study, we established a role for lncRNAs in chondrocyte differentiation. Using RNA sequencing we identified a human articular chondrocyte repertoire of lncRNAs from normal hip cartilage donated by neck of femur fracture patients. Of particular interest are lncRNAs upstream of the master chondrocyte transcription factor SOX9 locus. SOX9 is an HMG-box transcription factor that plays an essential role in chondrocyte development by directing the expression of chondrocyte-specific genes. Two of these lncRNAs are upregulated during chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Depletion of one of thes

SUBMITTER: Barter MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5769619 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature