Publication Date:
2015-02-10
Description:
Adenosine-to-Inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, the most prevalent mode of transcript modification in higher eukaryotes, is catalysed by the Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA (ADARs). A-to-I editing imposes an additional layer of gene regulation as it dictates various aspects of RNA metabolism including RNA folding, processing, localisation and degradation. Furthermore, editing events in exonic regions contribute to proteome diversity as translational machinery decodes inosine as guanosine. Although it has been demonstrated that dysregulated A-to-I editing contributes to various diseases, the precise regulatory mechanisms governing this critical cellular process have yet to be fully elucidated. However, integration of previous studies revealed that A-to-I editing regulation is multifaceted, weaving an intricate network of auto- and trans-regulations, even with the involvement of virus-originated factors like adenovirus-associated RNA. Taken together, it is apparent that tipping of any regulatory components will have profound effects on A-to-I editing, which in turn contributes to both normal and aberrant physiological conditions. A complete understanding of this intricate regulatory network may ultimately be translated into new therapeutic strategies against diseases driven by perturbed RNA editing events. Herein, we review the current state of knowledge about the regulatory mechanisms governing A-to-I editing, and propose the role of other co-factors that may be involved in this complex regulatory process.
Print ISSN:
0144-8463
Electronic ISSN:
1573-4935
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
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