Non-coding antisense transcripts: fine regulation of gene expression in cancer
Francisco dos Santos, Ana Maria Capela, Francisca Cazaux Mateus, Sandrina Nóbrega‐Pereira, Bruno Bernardes de Jesus
Abstract
Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are coding or non-coding RNA sequences transcribed on the opposite direction from the same genomic locus. NATs are widely distributed throughout the human genome and seem to play crucial roles in physiological and pathological processes, through newly described and targeted mechanisms. NATs represent the intricate complexity of the genome organization and constitute another layer of potential targets in disease. Here, we focus on the interesting and unique role of non-coding NATs in cancer, paying particular attention to those acting as miRNA sponges.
Topics & Concepts
BiologyGeneComputational biologyGenomeGeneticsmicroRNAAntisense RNAHuman genomeRNALocus (genetics)Regulation of gene expressionCoding regionGene expressionNon-coding RNACancer-related molecular mechanisms researchRNA modifications and cancerRNA Research and Splicing