The multifaceted potential of lncRNA

The World RNA Day, initiated in 2018 by Juan Pablo Tosar, a molecular biologist and researcher at the Pasteur Montevideo Institute in Uruguay, is celebrated on 1st August annually raising awareness about RNA’s importance, celebrating the contributions of RNA research to science and medicine, and promoting further research in the field. RNA is a versatile molecule that serves several functions, including messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and non-coding RNA (ncRNA). 

The genetic codes from the DNA in the nucleus are carried by mRNA to the ribosomes, where they undergo translation, resulting in the synthesis of proteins. Ribosomes, which consist of rRNA and proteins, play a vital role in the process of protein synthesis. Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of RNA molecules that differ from messenger RNA (mRNA) in that they do not encode proteins. Despite not having this protein-coding capability, lncRNAs assume vital roles in a wide array of cellular processes due to their diverse structures and functions. The structure of lncRNA can vary widely, and it is classified based on its length and specific regions with distinct functions. Some lncRNAs have secondary structures like stem loops, like some mRNA molecules, while others can form complex tertiary structures. These structures are essential for lncRNA’s interactions with other molecules and proteins within the cell.

Although the exact functions of many lncRNAs are still being explored, they are known to participate in various cellular processes, including gene regulation, chromatin remodeling, epigenetic regulation, and cellular signaling. Research on lncRNA is still in its early stages, but it has shown great promise in understanding various biological processes and the development of diseases. As researchers continue to investigate the complexities of lncRNA, it is likely that their significance in cellular function and disease pathology will become even more apparent.In our research, we delved into the intricate molecular processes through which the nuclear hnRNPB1 protein binds to the lncRNA HOTAIR, leading to RNA-RNA interactions and influencing the structure and activity of hHOTAIR. Specifically, we discovered that the low-complexity domain segment (LCD) of hnRNPB1 exhibits a strong affinity for Helix-12. In essence, our findings shed light on the intricate molecular mechanisms governing the interactions between Helix-12 and hnRNPB1 proteins. Moreover, our study elucidates how the LCD in hnRNPB1 recognizes the structured motif while the RRMs (RNA recognition motifs) exhibit both sequential and structural preferences for the lncRNA. Additionally, we observed that the LCD plays a crucial role in the local unfolding of Helix-12, which contributes to the restructuring mechanism of hHOTAIR. This restructuring facilitates RNA-RNA interactions and enhances the activity of the polycomb repression complex 2 (PRC2). Ultimately, our research provides important insights into the functions of the Helix-12 secondary structure and the hnRNPB1 protein in regulating hHOTAIR, thus offering a better understanding of these complex molecular processes. A deeper understanding of HOTAIR-hnRNPB1 interaction may provide a useful foundation as a target for RNA-based small molecule intervention.

Ajit Kumar

Ajit Kumar joined Dr. Souvik Maiti and Dr. Niyati Jain 's lab after completing his Master's in Zoology from University of Allahabad. Ajit's primary focus is on investigating the molecular mechanisms of RNA and RNA binding proteins, placing particular emphasis on comprehending how the structural motifs of RNA contribute to its biological functions. Specifically, Ajit's research centers around understanding the ways in which hnRNPs and lncRNAs interact at a molecular level, utilizing a range of Biophysical techniques. In his free time away from the laboratory, Ajit finds enjoyment in engaging in hobbies such as reading novels and cooking.