Structural characterization of maternally expressed gene 3 RNA reveals conserved motifs and potential sites of interaction with polycomb repressive complex 2

Nucleic Acids Res. 2018 Nov 2;46(19):10432-10447. doi: 10.1093/nar/gky722.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key players in gene regulation. However, our incomplete understanding of the structure of lncRNAs has hindered molecular characterization of their function. Maternally expressed gene 3 (Meg3) lncRNA is a tumor suppressor that is downregulated in various types of cancer. Mechanistic studies have reported a role for Meg3 in epigenetic regulation by interacting with chromatin-modifying complexes such as the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), guiding them to genomic sites via DNA-RNA triplex formation. Resolving the structure of Meg3 RNA and characterizing its interactions with cellular binding partners will deepen our understanding of tumorigenesis and provide a framework for RNA-based anti-cancer therapies. Herein, we characterize the architectural landscape of Meg3 RNA and its interactions with PRC2 from a functional standpoint.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / genetics
  • Genome, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation*
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / chemistry
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • MEG3 non-coding RNA, human
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • triplex DNA
  • DNA