Abstract
Small RNA molecules, including small interfering RNA (siRNA) and micro RNA (miRNA), have rapidly emerged as important regulators of gene expression. Recent articles have demonstrated RNA mediated complex induced transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) occurring in the nucleus. Originally the small RNA mediated TGS pathway has been reported in yeast and plants, currently a number of articles strongly suggest that this newly established gene silencing mechanism is present in mammals. RNA mediated TGS has been reported for various human promoters including inhibition of tumor susceptibility genes, X-chromosome inactivation and suppression of human chemokine receptor. Small RNAs can inhibit human viral infection through the TGS pathway. Prolonged HIV-1 transcriptional gene silencing by an RNA duplex targeting a sequence located within the HIV-1 promoter has been reported initially using a susceptible adherent cell line model and recently prolonged suppression of productive HIV-1 infection in a T-cell line model has been demonstrated by a retrovirally delivered short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting the same region. RNA mediated gene silencing in HIV-1 infection can induce heterochromatin (closed) structure in the promoter regions, which is consistent to those changes seen in studies of various RNA directed TGS in various human promoter regions. More recent observations suggest transcriptional activation can be induced through RNA duplexes targeting the human promoter of E-cadherin, p21 and the progesterone receptor. Although the precise mechanisms of how RNA mediated transcriptional gene silencing or activation functions has yet to be elucidated, this review describes linkage of small RNA mediated gene regulation and induction of epigenetic regulation in the promoter region in mammals.
Keywords: Transcriptional gene silencing (TGS), siRNA/shRNA, RNAi, Heterochromatin formation, HIV-1
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Adaptogens—History and Future Perspectives
Adaptogens are pharmacologically active compounds or plant extracts that are associated with the ability to enhance the body’s stability against stress. The intake of adaptogens is associated not only with a better ability to adapt to stress and maintain or normalise metabolic functions but also with better mental and physical ...read more
AlphaFold in Medicinal Chemistry: Opportunities and Challenges
AlphaFold, a groundbreaking AI tool for protein structure prediction, is revolutionizing drug discovery. Its near-atomic accuracy unlocks new avenues for designing targeted drugs and performing efficient virtual screening. However, AlphaFold's static predictions lack the dynamic nature of proteins, crucial for understanding drug action. This is especially true for multi-domain proteins, ...read more
Challenges, Consequences and Possible Treatments of Anticancer Drug Discovery ll
The use of several compounds has been the subject of increasing interest in phytochemistry, biochemistry, and other fields of research at the chemistry-biology-ecosystems interface. In spite of the continued search for new anticancer drugs, cancer remains a leading cause of death. Cancer mortalities are expected to increase to 12.9 million, ...read more
Chronic Kidney Disease
The scope of the special thematic issue includes but not limited to the mechanism of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the treatment of renal fibrosis and early diagnosis of CKD and so on. We also welcome manuscripts from other scientific research area with respect to internal medicine. Cell death has been ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Cancer Drug Targets
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Current Drug Therapy
Related Books
Herbs for Disease Prevention and Treatment
Anthocyanins: Pharmacology and Nutraceutical Importance
Herbal Medicine for Autoimmune Diseases
Therapeutic Insights into Herbal Medicine through the Use of Phytomolecules
The Roles and Responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacists in Hospital Settings
Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention
Science of Spices and Culinary Herbs - Latest Laboratory, Pre-clinical, and Clinical Studies
The Chemistry inside Spices & Herbs: Research and Development
The Chemistry inside Spices & Herbs: Research and Development
Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain
38
