Non-coding RNAs in muscle differentiation and musculoskeletal disease

J Clin Invest. 2016 Jun 1;126(6):2021-30. doi: 10.1172/JCI84419. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Abstract

RNA is likely to be the most rediscovered macromolecule in biology. Periodically, new non-canonical functions have been ascribed to RNA, such as the ability to act as a catalytic molecule or to work independently from its coding capacity. Recent annotations show that more than half of the transcriptome encodes for RNA molecules lacking coding activity. Here we illustrate how these transcripts affect skeletal muscle differentiation and related disorders. We discuss the most recent scientific discoveries that have led to the identification of the molecular circuitries that are controlled by RNA during the differentiation process and that, when deregulated, lead to pathogenic events. These findings will provide insights that can aid in the development of new therapeutic interventions for muscle diseases.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Genetic Markers
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Muscle Development / genetics*
  • Muscle Development / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / growth & development
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / genetics*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / metabolism*
  • Myoblasts, Skeletal / cytology
  • Myoblasts, Skeletal / metabolism
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism
  • RNA, Untranslated / blood
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics*
  • RNA, Untranslated / metabolism*
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Genetic Markers
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA, Untranslated