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Review
. 2011 May;6(5):539-43.
doi: 10.4161/epi.6.5.15221. Epub 2011 May 1.

RNA templating the epigenome: long noncoding RNAs as molecular scaffolds

Robert C Spitale  1 , Miao-Chih Tsai, Howard Y Chang
Affiliations
Review

RNA templating the epigenome: long noncoding RNAs as molecular scaffolds

Robert C Spitale et al. Epigenetics. 2011 May.

Abstract

Cellular pathways must be synergized, controlled and organized to manage homeostasis. To achieve high selectivity within the crowded cellular milieu the cell utilizes scaffolding complexes whose role is to bring molecules in proximity thereby controlling and enhancing intermolecular interactions and signaling events. To date, scaffolds have been shown to be composed of proteinaceous units; however, recent evidence has supported the idea that non-coding RNAs may also play a similar role. In this point of view article we discuss recent data on ncRNA scaffolds, with particular focus on ncRNA HOTAIR. Using our current knowledge of signaling networks we discuss the role that RNA may play in writing and regulating histone modifications and the information needed for correct gene expression. Further, we speculate on additional, yet undiscovered roles that ncRNAs may be playing as molecular scaffolds.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Parallels between protein and RNA scaffolds. Protein scaffolds provide a meeting place for proteins to recognize their substrate or control a downstream molecular signal. Similar logic can be employed by RNA to control cellular signaling events, such as chromatin modification.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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