RNA gradients: Shapers of 3D genome architecture

A growing body of evidence points to a role of nuclear RNAs (nucRNAs) in shaping the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the genome within the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. nucRNAs are non-homogeneously distributed within the nucleus where they can form global and local gradients that might contribute to instructing the formation and coordinating the function of different types of 3D genome structures. In this article, we highlight the available literature supporting a role of nucRNAs as 3D genome shapers and propose that nucRNA gradients are key mediators of genome structure and function.

Automated summary

This article highlights the role of nuclear RNAs (nucRNAs) in shaping the three-dimensional architecture of the genome within the nucleus. The non-homogeneous distribution of nucRNAs within the nucleus can form gradients that contribute to the formation and coordination of different types of 3D genome structures.