To cope with the complexity of biological processes, cells exploit multiple regulatory systems, often based on the activity of RNA molecules, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that do not produce proteins. These molecules can construct specific interaction networks for temporal and spatial control of biological processes.

That is the case with Charme, a lncRNA that controls cardiac development through molecular circuits that are established in the muscle through its interaction with the Matrin3 protein. Matrin3 is involved in several myopathies and neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

A new Italian study published in the international journal eLife and coordinated by the Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin' of Sapienza University of Rome in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory has revealed the key role of Charme in the switching on of genes necessary for the maturation of heart cells. The presence of Charme during the embryonic stages of cardiac development proved crucial in guiding Matrin3 to the right genomic contexts, promoting cardiac function and development.

"Among the lab's future plans," says Monica Ballarino of Sapienza, "is the further functional characterisation of Charme, which is abundantly expressed in human muscle. That will allow a better understanding of the physiology and development of the heart and the design of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for heart disease".

References:

The long noncoding RNA Charme supervises cardiomyocyte maturation by controlling cell differentiation programs in the developing heart - Valeria Taliani, Giulia Buonaiuto, Fabio Desideri, Adriano Setti, Tiziana Santini, Silvia Galfrè, Leonardo Schirone, Davide Mariani, Giacomo Frati, Valentina Valenti, Sebastiano Sciarretta, Emerald Perlas, Carmine Nicoletti, Antonio Musarò, Monica Ballarino - eLife 2023 https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.81360
 

Further Information

Monica Ballarino
Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin'
monica.ballarino@uniroma1.it