Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently-discovered transcripts that regulate vital cellular processes and are crucially connected to diseases. Despite their unprecedented molecular complexity, it is emerging that lncRNAs possess distinct structural motifs. Remarkably, the 3D shape and topology of full-length, native lncRNAs have been visualized for the first time in the last year. These studies reveal that lncRNA structures dictate lncRNA functions. Here, we review experimentally determined lncRNA structures and emphasize that lncRNA structural characterization requires synergistic integration of computational, biochemical and biophysical approaches. Based on these emerging paradigms, we discuss how to overcome the challenges posed by the complex molecular architecture of lncRNAs, with the goal of obtaining a detailed understanding of lncRNA functions and molecular mechanisms in the future.

摘要

长链非编码 RNA (lncRNA) 是最近发现的转录本，可调节重要的细胞过程，并与疾病密切相关。尽管它们具有前所未有的分子复杂性，但 lncRNA 具有独特的结构基序正在出现。值得注意的是，全长天然 lncRNA 的 3D 形状和拓扑结构在去年首次被可视化。这些研究表明 lncRNA 结构决定了 lncRNA 的功能。在这里，我们回顾了实验确定的 lncRNA 结构，并强调 lncRNA 结构表征需要计算、生化和生物物理方法的协同整合。基于这些新兴范式，我们讨论了如何克服 lncRNA 复杂分子结构带来的挑战，