Identification of novel noncoding transcripts in telomerase-negative yeast using RNA-seq

Sci Rep. 2016 Jan 20:6:19376. doi: 10.1038/srep19376.

Abstract

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that maintains the ends of linear chromosomes in most eukaryotes. Loss of telomerase activity results in shortening of telomeric DNA and eventually a specific G2/M cell-cycle arrest known as senescence. In humans, telomere shortening occurs during aging, while inappropriate activation of telomerase is associated with approximately 90% of cancers. Previous studies have identified several classes of noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) also associated with aging-related senescence and cancer, but whether ncRNAs are also involved in short-telomere-induced senescence in yeast is unknown. Here, we report 112 putative novel lncRNAs in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 41 of which are only expressed in telomerase-negative yeast. Expression of approximately half of the lncRNAs is strongly correlated with that of adjacent genes, suggesting this subset may influence transcription of neighboring genes. Our results reveal a new potential mechanism governing adaptive changes in senescing and post-senescent survivor yeast cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cellular Senescence
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Epistasis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
  • Mutation
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated*
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Telomerase / deficiency*
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Yeasts / genetics*
  • Yeasts / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA, Untranslated
  • Telomerase