Researchers from the New York University and the New York Genoma Center using CRISPR technology, that the RNA non-leading RNA in the human genome is not “garbage”, as previously thought. Only two percent of the genome are encoded proteins, while the functions of the remaining 98 percent for a long time remained unclear. In new work, scientists have identified about 800 non -dodging RNAs that play a key role in cell functioning and are of particular importance for processes associated with cancer and human development.
CRISPR-CAS13 technology, aimed at editing RNA, made it possible to investigate non-dodging RNA without damage to neighboring protein genes and regulatory elements. During the study, more than 6 thousand pairs of long non -dodging RNA (LNCRNA) and neighboring protein genes in cells of various types were tested – from kidney cells to breast cancer and leukemia. Scientists have found that the suppression of some LNCRNA violates the process of cell division and leads to the death of cells, which proves their important role.
As a result of the experiment, 778 LNCRNA were identified, necessary for the vital activity of cells. Among them, 46 were universally important for all cells, and 732 showed significance only for certain types of cells. Unlike protein genes, Lncrna turned out to be more specific for various cells, which makes them potentially interesting for personalized medicine.
In addition, many of these LNCRNA were active in the early stages of human development, and then their activity decreased. This indicates the significance of LNCRNA for development processes. Tumor analysis also showed that the changed expression of LNCRNA is associated with various types of tumors, which can be useful for the development of biomarkers and therapy for the treatment of cancer.