Chapter category: RNA
The Structure, Regulation and Function of the Imprinted H19 RNA
Noncoding RNAs: Molecular Biology and Molecular Medicine
Edited by: Jan Barciszewski and Volker A. ErdmannISBN: 0-306-47835-8
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Chapter authors:
Raluca I. Verona and Marisa S. Bartolomei
H19 is a member of a small subset of genes that are subject to the parent-of-origin dependent expression known as genomic imprinting. The H19 gene is transcribed exclusively from the maternal allele, and this paternal imprinting is evolutionarily conserved in mammals. In addition to its imprinting, H19 displays a complex expression profile, with high levels present during embryonic development in a spatially- and temporally-restricted manner. The product of the H19 gene is a fully processed RNA that lacks any significant open reading frames. Hence, it is thought that H19 exerts its functions at the RNA level, as a regulatory RNA or riboregulator. Over the years, H19 has been proposed to function in many different processes, ranging from transcriptional regulation to tumor suppression and oncogenesis. However, the exact biological functions, if any, of H19 remain to be defined. This chapter reviews important aspects of H19 properties, regulation, and potential functions. First, we describe the highly complex regulation of H19 imprinting and tissue-specific expression, including cis-acting elements that are important for these processes. We also describe the sequence conservation of the H19 locus, including the striking secondary structure conservation of the H19 RNA across different species. Finally, we discuss possible biological roles for the H19 gene product, using data that have emerged from human cancer patients, mouse models, as well as cell culture studies.
Raluca I. Verona
Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Marisa S. Bartolomei
Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Departement of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
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