Genetic Variability of Regulatory RNAs

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 September 2024) | Viewed by 1670

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, P.O. Box 2, H-1428 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: PCR; real-time PCR; miRNA; electrophoresis; SNP; SNV; polymorphism; genetic variation; genetic association
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Dear Colleagues,

Although the principal function of our genome is to code for our proteins, it is well-known that it is only 1–2% of our DNA that really determines the primary structure of our polypeptide chains. On the other hand, studies based on RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, etc., have revealed that up to 80–90% of our genome is transcribed to some kind of RNA in some tissues. This points out the significance of several regulatory RNAs that play crucial roles in modulating gene expression and cellular processes without coding for proteins.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules that modulate gene expression by connecting to the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the target messenger RNAs, resulting in mRNA degradation or translational repression. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) possess a covalently closed loop structure. They can act as miRNA sponges, consequently inhibiting miRNA–mRNA interactions, thereby also fine-tuning gene expression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a heterogeneous group of RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins. They play a role in diverse regulatory mechanisms, including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, and protein activity modulation. LncRNAs can act as guides, scaffolds, or decoys for protein complexes, RNA-binding proteins, and other regulatory molecules. They play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as development, the immune response, and disease pathogenesis. The dysregulation of lncRNAs has been implicated in several diseases.

The complexity of the picture, as it is, is challenging, not to mention that genetic variations either in the coding region of the regulatory RNAs or in the binding site of these molecules can further modulate these complicated regulatory processes. This Special Issue intends to focus on these exciting pathways. Original research articles related to the importance, medical relevance, physiological function, and pathological function of the genetic variations (polymorphisms, mutations, SNPs, VNTRs, CNVs, etc.) related to regulatory RNAs are welcomed.

Dr. Zsolt Ronai
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • miRNA
  • circRNA
  • lncRNA
  • regulatory RNA
  • SNV
  • miR-SNP
  • VNTR
  • CNV

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 896 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Evidence for Neuronal Dysfunction Following Adverse Childhood Experiences: An Investigation of Salivary MicroRNA Within a High-Risk Youth Sample
by Adam T. Schmidt, Steven D. Hicks, Becca K. Bergquist, Kelsey A. Maloney, Victoria E. Dennis and Alexandra C. Bammel
Genes 2024, 15(11), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15111433 - 4 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1366
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potent drivers of psychopathology and neurological disorders, especially within minoritized populations. Nonetheless, we lack a coherent understanding of the neuronal mechanisms through which ACEs impact gene expression and, thereby, the development of psychopathology. Methods: This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potent drivers of psychopathology and neurological disorders, especially within minoritized populations. Nonetheless, we lack a coherent understanding of the neuronal mechanisms through which ACEs impact gene expression and, thereby, the development of psychopathology. Methods: This observational pilot study used a novel marker of neuronal functioning (brain-derived micro ribonucleic acids, or miRNAs) collected via saliva to explore the connection between ACEs and neuronal gene expression in 45 adolescents with a collectively high ACE exposure (26 males and 19 females of diverse races/ethnicities, with six cumulative ACEs on average). We aimed to determine the feasibility of using salivary microRNA for probing neuronal gene expression with the goal of identifying cellular processes and genetic pathways perturbed by childhood adversity. Results: A total of 274 miRNAs exhibited reliable salivary expression (raw counts > 10 in > 10% of samples). Fourteen (5.1%) were associated with cumulative ACE exposure (p < 0.05; r’s ≥ 0.31). ACE exposure correlated negatively with miR-92b-3p, 145a-5p, 31-5p, and 3065-5p, and positively with miR-15b-5p, 30b-5p, 30c-5p, 30e-3p, 199a-3p, 223-3p, 338-3p, 338-5p, 542-3p, and 582-5p. Most relations remained significant after controlling for multiple comparisons and potential retrospective bias in ACE reporting for miRNAs with particularly strong relations (p < 0.03). We examined KEGG pathways targeted by miRNAs associated with total ACE scores. Results indicated putative miRNA targets over-represented 47 KEGG pathways (adjusted p < 0.05) involved in neuronal signaling, brain development, and neuroinflammation. Conclusions: Although preliminary and with a small sample, the findings represent a novel contribution to the understanding of how childhood adversity impacts neuronal gene expression via miRNA signaling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Variability of Regulatory RNAs)
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