computational-analysis-tutorial-for-chimeric-small-noncoding-rna

Computational Analysis Tutorial for Chimeric Small Noncoding RNA: Target RNA Sequencing Libraries

An understanding of the in vivo gene regulatory interactions of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), with their target RNAs has ...

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

An appreciation for the complex interactions between the NF-κB transcription factor and the Lin28 RNA binding protein/let-7 microRNA pathways has grown substantially over the past decade. Both the NF-κB and Lin28/let-7 pathways are master regulators impacting cell survival, growth and proliferation, and an understanding of how interfaces between these pathways participate in governing pluripotency, progenitor differentiation, and neuroplastic responses remains an emerging area of research. In this review, we provide a concise summary of the respective pathways and focus on the function of signaling interactions at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Regulatory loops capable of providing both reinforcing and extinguishing feedback have been described. We highlight convergent findings in disparate biological systems and indicate future directions for investigation.

Multi-Level Regulatory Interactions between NF-κB and the Pluripotency Factor Lin28.

Single-molecule fluorescence  hybridization (smFISH) allows spatial mapping of gene expression. This protocol presents advances in smFISH fidelity and flexibility in intact murine sensory nervous system tissue. An approach using RNAscope probes allows multiplexing, enhanced target specificity, and immunohistochemistry compatibility. Computational strategies increase quantification accuracy of mRNA puncta with a point spread function for clustered transcripts in the dorsal root ganglion and 3D masking for intermingled sciatic nerve cell types. Approaches are validated for mRNAs of modest (Lin28a) and medium (Ppib) steady-state abundance in neurons.

Combined single-molecule fluorescence  hybridization and immunohistochemistry analysis in intact murine dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve.

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition arising from damage to somatosensory pathways that results in pathological hypersensitivity. Persistent pain can be viewed as a consequence of maladaptive plasticity which, like most enduring forms of cellular plasticity, requires altered expression of specific gene programs. Control of gene expression at the level of protein synthesis is broadly utilized to directly modulate changes in activity and responsiveness in nociceptive pathways and provides an effective mechanism for compartmentalized regulation of the proteome in peripheral nerves through local translation. Levels of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are commonly impacted by peripheral nerve injury leading to persistent pain. NcRNAs exert spatiotemporal regulation of local proteomes and affect signaling cascades supporting altered sensory responses that contribute to hyperalgesia. This review discusses ncRNAs found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that are dysregulated following nerve injury and the current understanding of their roles in pathophysiological pain-related responses including neuroimmune interactions, neuronal survival and axon regeneration, Schwann cell dedifferentiation and proliferation, intercellular communication, and the generation of ectopic action potentials in primary afferents. We review progress in the field beyond cataloging, with a focus on the relevant target transcripts and mechanisms underlying pain modulation by ncRNAs.

Xinbei Li

Department of Biological Chemistry

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Computational Analysis Tutorial for Chimeric Small Noncoding RNA: Target RNA Sequencing Libraries

Xinbei Li

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}Department of Biological Chemistry

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Computational Analysis Tutorial for Chimeric Small Noncoding RNA: Target RNA Sequencing Libraries

Department of Biological Chemistry