Role of long non-coding RNAs in sculpting neurons

Abstract

The morphology of neurons, a collective measure of features like the size, number, length, density and branching patterns of dendrites, as well as axonal features like length and diameter of the axon, is critical to its function. At a finer level of detail, dendrites bear membranous bulb-like projections on their surfaces called dendritic spines. Dendritic spines are the sites of neurotransmitter signalling and undergo activity dependent dynamic changes in shape associated with a regulated rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we provide an overview of four lncRNAs: MALAT1, BC200, 7H4 and Durga, which are implicated in altering neuronal architecture. We have recently discovered the lncRNA named Durga, in the zebrafish genome, in close proximity to Kalirin gene, which modulates expression of Kalirin and dendritogenesis. Kalirin is a Rho-GEF kinase that is involved in the cytoskeletal rearrangements that occur during dendritogenesis and dendrite spine morphologenesis. It is closely associated with proteins of post-synaptic density, a structure found at dentritic spines, and through sequential activation of other RhoGTPases, brings about cytoskeletal changes in response to developmental signals and neurotransmitters. Here, we provide an overview of dendritogenesis, the molecular basis of dendrite and dendritic spine formation and discuss the involvement of lncRNA in the process.