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Review
. 2020 Jun 3;6(2):22.
doi: 10.3390/ncrna6020022.

MALAT1 Long Non-Coding RNA: Functional Implications

Gayatri Arun  1 , Disha Aggarwal  2   3 , David L Spector  2   3
Affiliations
Review

MALAT1 Long Non-Coding RNA: Functional Implications

Gayatri Arun et al. Noncoding RNA. .

Abstract

The mammalian genome is pervasively transcribed and the functional significance of many long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts are gradually being elucidated. Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) is one of the most well-studied lncRNAs. MALAT1 is a highly conserved nuclear retained lncRNA that is abundantly expressed in cells and tissues and has been shown to play a role in regulating genes at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in a context-dependent manner. However, Malat1 has been shown to be dispensable for normal development and viability in mice. Interestingly, accumulating evidence suggests that MALAT1 plays an important role in numerous diseases including cancer. Here, we discuss the current state-of-knowledge in regard to MALAT1 with respect to its function, role in diseases, and the potential therapeutic opportunities for targeting MALAT1 using antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules.

Keywords: MALAT1; lncRNA; non-coding RNA; pre-mRNA splicing.

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Conflict of interest statement

D.L.S. is a consultant to, and receives research support from, Ionis Pharmaceuticals.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Molecular mechanisms of MALAT1 function.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of known disease implications of MALAT1.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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