Non-Coding RNAs in Retinoic Acid as Differentiation and Disease Drivers

Abstract

: All-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the most active metabolite of vitamin A. Several studies have described a pivotal role for RA signalling in different biological processes such as cell growth and differentiation, embryonic development and organogenesis. Since RA signalling is highly dose-dependent, a fine-tuning regulatory mechanism is required. Thus, RA signalling deregulation has a major impact, both in development and disease, related in many cases to oncogenic processes. In this review, we focus on the impact of ncRNA post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, especially those of microRNAs and lncRNAs, in RA signalling pathways during differentiation and disease.

Keywords: development; disease; lncRNAs; microRNAs; retinoic acid.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the all-trans retinoic acid (RA) signalling pathways from the point it is firstly obtained from diet until it modulates gene transcription.

Figure 2

Schematic representation of the different non-coding RNAs involved in RA-regulated differentiation pathways, including stem cell differentiation, haematopoiesis, spermatogenesis and skeletal muscle and neuronal cell differentiation. MicroRNAs and lncRNAs that are upregulated after RA administration are depicted in red while those that are downregulated after RA administration are depicted in green.

Figure 3

Schematic representation of the different non-coding RNAs involved in RA-regulated oncogenic pathways, including lung and breast cancer, neuroblastoma and acute promyelocytic leukaemia. MicroRNAs and lncRNAs that are upregulated after RA administration are depicted in red while those that are downregulated after RA administration are depicted in green.