lncRNAs in Plant and Animal Sexual Reproduction

lncRNAs are molecules over 200 base pairs in length that do not code for proteins. High levels of expression of lncRNAs in reproductive organs of both plants and animals have been observed. Sexual reproduction requires cell fate specification and involves epigenetic changes, while lncRNAs are known to be involved in cell differentiation and have the ability to alter chromatin states. Thus, lncRNAs can be particularly suited for fulfilment of roles in sexual reproduction in both plants and animals. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts over 200 base pairs in length with no discernible protein-coding potential. Multiple lines of evidence point to lncRNAs as master regulators, controlling the expression of protein-coding genes. Studies in plants and animals consistently show high expression of lncRNAs in reproductive organs in a cell- and tissue-specific manner. Sexual reproduction is a complex process that involves cell fate specification and specialized cell division requiring precise coordination of gene expression in response to intrinsic and extrinsic signals. The roles of lncRNAs as master regulators of gene expression and chromatin organization might make them particularly suited for coordination and control of molecular processes involved in sexual reproduction. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts over 200 base pairs in length with no discernible protein-coding potential. Multiple lines of evidence point to lncRNAs as master regulators, controlling the expression of protein-coding genes. Studies in plants and animals consistently show high expression of lncRNAs in reproductive organs in a cell- and tissue-specific manner. Sexual reproduction is a complex process that involves cell fate specification and specialized cell division requiring precise coordination of gene expression in response to intrinsic and extrinsic signals. The roles of lncRNAs as master regulators of gene expression and chromatin organization might make them particularly suited for coordination and control of molecular processes involved in sexual reproduction. cis acting lncRNAs exert effect on neighbouring genes while the trans acting lncRNAs have more distal targets, but the distinction is not always obvious. Some lncRNAs may act on sequence not immediately proximal in linear sense, but found within close proximity in the 3D structure of eukaryotic chromosome domains. erasure and remodelling of epigenetic marks including DNA and histone methylation. switch from vegetative to reproductive phase. It is an important transition during plant life cycle and involves intricate signalling pathways integrating internal and environmental cues. process of epigenetic silencing of genes based on their parental origin, which is crucial for normal development. a molecule over 200 base pairs in length, without any discernible protein-coding potential. type of cell which upon meiosis differentiates into a gamete. reductive cell division, resulting in halving of the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, which is essential for sexual reproduction. Meiosis is also a core process conserved among eukaryotes. a protein complex with histone methyltransferase activity capable of changing histone epigenetic marks. cells which give rise to spermatozoa and oocytes. small interfering RNA-mediated epigenetic modification. decides development of organisms’ sexual characteristics. a process in both plants and animals in which sperm cells are produced in successive rounds of mitosis and meiosis. diploid cells in plants that will undergo meiosis.