pfeRNAs-A Novel Class of Small Non-coding RNAs With Real Translational Potential

J Surg Res. 2023 Apr:284:237-244. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.12.002. Epub 2023 Jan 2.

Abstract

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are defined by being less than 200 nucleotides (nt) in length, and consequently, have been divided into many different subclasses including mature microRNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), protein functional effector sncRNA (pfeRNA), precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), 5S ribosome RNA (5SrRNA), 5.8SrRNA, and small nuclear RNA (snRNA). Except for the class of pfeRNAs, the discovery, identification, biogenesis, characterization, and function of other sncRNAs have been well documented. Herein, we provide a review, written especially for clinicians, of the least understood class of functional sncRNAs, the pfeRNAs, focusing on their initial discovery, identification, unique features, function, as well as their exciting clinical translational potential.

Keywords: pfeRNA; sncRNA.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • Piwi-Interacting RNA
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Untranslated* / genetics
  • RNA, Small Untranslated* / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Small Untranslated
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Piwi-Interacting RNA