Bioinformatics Approaches for Determining the Functional Impact of Repetitive Elements on Non-coding RNAs.

With a large number of annotated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), repetitive sequences are found to constitute functional components (termed as repetitive elements) in ncRNAs that perform specific biological functions. Bioinformatics analysis is a powerful tool for improving our understanding of the role of repetitive elements in ncRNAs. This chapter summarizes recent findings that reveal the role of repetitive elements in ncRNAs.

Glycerol kinase stimulates uncoupling protein 1 expression by regulating fatty acid metabolism in beige adipocytes.

Browning of adipose tissue is induced by specific stimuli such as cold exposure and consists of up-regulation of thermogenesis in white adipose tissue. Recently, it has emerged as an attractive target for managing obesity in humans. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis to identify genes associated with browning in murine adipose tissue.

Comprehensive epigenome characterization reveals diverse transcriptional regulation across human vascular endothelial cells.

Background: Endothelial cells (ECs) make up the innermost layer throughout the entire vasculature. Their phenotypes and physiological functions are initially regulated by developmental signals and extracellular stimuli. The underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the diverse phenotypes of ECs from different organs are not well understood.

Common genetic variants associated with Parkinson's disease display widespread signature of epigenetic plasticity.

Parkinson disease (PD) is characterized by a pivotal progressive loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons and aggregation of α-synuclein protein encoded by the SNCA gene. Genome-wide association studies identified almost 100 sequence variants linked to PD in SNCA. However, the consequences of this genetic variability are rather unclear.

Long non-coding RNA 2310069B03Rik functions as a suppressor of Ucp1 expression under prolonged cold exposure in murine beige adipocytes.

Specific conditions, such as exposure to cold, can induce the production of brown-like adipocytes in white adipose tissue. These adipocytes express high levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and energy expended by generating heat. Thus, these are a potential target for the prevention or treatment of obesity.