The fundamental role of non-coding RNAs - which are not translated into proteins - in regulating the developmental and functional programmes of tissues, in particular the nervous system, has emerged especially in recent years.

Although many specific functions are still poorly understood, non-coding RNAs have a crucial biological role, making them of considerable interest, especially in biomedical research.

A new study, coordinated by Irene Bozzoni, from the Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" of Sapienza University of Rome and the Clns of the Italian Institute of Technology, in collaboration with Pietro Laneve of the CNR, has made it possible to characterise the activity of a specific gene (MN2) that directs the production of multiple structurally different non-coding RNAs, both long (lncRNA) and short (microRNA).

In particular, advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques have enabled researchers to elucidate the mechanism through which the dialogue between lncRNA and microRNA controls the expression of genes coding for proteins that are fundamental in the differentiation of motor neurons, i.e. those neurons that carry nerve signals from the central nervous system to the muscles.

The research, a collaboration between Sapienza, the Italian Institute of Technology and the CNR, was funded by ERC-2019-SyG and published in the prestigious international journal The EMBO Journal.

'The work,' says Irene Bozzoni, group coordinator, 'helps us better understand the functions attributed to the non-coding genome. In particular, we have highlighted for the first time how a mechanism based on the sequestration of microRNAs by an lncRNA - known as a 'molecular sponge' - contributes to the generation of motor neurons."

Besides being mediators of the nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction, motor neurons are also targets of serious degenerative diseases and disabling injuries.

'Our hope,' Irene Bozzoni concludes, 'is that understanding the motor neuron formation processes will enable the development of new therapeutic approaches in neurodegenerative medicine.

References:

A multifunctional locus controls motor neuron differentiation through short and long non coding RNAs - Andrea Carvelli, Adriano Setti, Fabio Desideri, Silvia Galfrè, Silvia Biscarini, Tiziana Santini, Alessio Colantoni, Giovanna Peruzzi, Matteo J Marzi, Davide Capauto, Silvia Di Angelantonio, Monica Ballarino, Francesco Nicassio, Pietro Laneve, Irene Bozzoni- The EMBO Journal (2022) https://doi.org/10.15252/embj.2021108918

Further Information

Irene Bozzoni
Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin"
irene.bozzoni@uniroma1.it