DOI

Bilaterian animals operate the clusters of Hox genes through a rich repertoire of diverse mechanisms. In this review, we will summarize and analyze the accumulated data concerning long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are transcribed from sense (coding) DNA strands of Hox clusters. It was shown that antisense regulatory RNAs control the work of Hox genes in cis and trans, participate in the establishment and maintenance of the epigenetic code of Hox loci, and can even serve as a source of regulatory peptides that switch cellular energetic metabolism. Moreover, these molecules can be considered as a force that consolidates the cluster into a single whole. We will discuss the examples of antisense transcription of Hox genes in well-studied systems (cell cultures, morphogenesis of vertebrates) and bear upon some interesting examples of antisense Hox RNAs in non-model Protostomia.

Original languageEnglish
Article number28
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Developmental Biology
Volume9
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2021

    Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

    Research areas

  • Antisense ncRNAs, Antisense transcription, Hox cluster evolution, Hox genes, LinkRNAs, LncRNAs, Long noncoding RNAs, NATs, lncRNAs, MOLECULAR-MECHANISM, HOXD-AS1 REGULATES PROLIFERATION, STEM-CELLS, linkRNAs, ANTISENSE TRANSCRIPTION, LNCRNA HOTAIR, FEEDBACK LOOP, antisense transcription, long noncoding RNAs, LONG NONCODING RNA, HOMEOTIC TRANSFORMATION, CANCER PROGRESSION, antisense ncRNAs, CHROMATIN STATE

ID: 84463143