The role of long non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment, brain function and neurological disease

• Published in: Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological sciences Vol. 369; no. 1652; p. 20130507
• Main Authors: Roberts, Thomas C., Morris, Kevin V., Wood, Matthew J. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England The Royal Society 26.09.2014
• Subjects: Brain; Brain - metabolism; Brain - physiology; Epigenesis, Genetic - genetics; Epigenesis, Genetic - physiology; Epigenetics; Humans; Long Non-Coding Rna; Nervous System - growth & development; Nervous System Diseases - genetics; Nervous System Diseases - physiopathology; Neurodegeneration; Neurodevelopment; Part II: miRNA; Review; RNA, Long Noncoding - genetics; RNA, Long Noncoding - physiology; neurodegeneration; long non-coding RNA; neurodevelopment; brain; epigenetics
• ISSN: 0962-8436; 1471-2970; 1471-2970
• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0507

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts with low protein-coding potential that represent a large proportion of the transcriptional output of the cell. Many lncRNAs exhibit features indicative of functionality including tissue-restricted expression, localization to distinct subcellular structures, regulated expression and evolutionary conservation. Some lncRNAs have been shown to associate with chromatin-modifying activities and transcription factors, suggesting that a common mode of action may be to guide protein complexes to target genomic loci. However, the functions (if any) of the vast majority of lncRNA transcripts are currently unknown, and the subject of investigation. Here, we consider the putative role(s) of lncRNAs in neurodevelopment and brain function with an emphasis on the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Associations of lncRNAs with neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegeneration and brain cancers are also discussed.