Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is well known as a mechanism for controlling mammalian mRNA translation in the cytoplasm, but what would be the consequences if it also functions in cell nuclei? Although RNAi has also been found in nuclei of plants, yeast, and other organisms, there has been relatively little progress towards understanding the potential involvement of mammalian RNAi factors in nuclear processes including transcription and splicing. This review summarizes evidence for mammalian RNAi factors in cell nuclei and mechanisms that might contribute to the control of gene expression. When RNAi factors bind small RNAs, they form ribonucleoprotein complexes that can be selective for target sequences within different classes of nuclear RNA substrates. The versatility of nuclear RNAi may supply a previously underappreciated layer of regulation to transcription, splicing, and other nuclear processes.
© The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Argonaute Proteins / genetics
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Argonaute Proteins / metabolism
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Autoantigens / genetics
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Autoantigens / metabolism
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Cell Nucleus / genetics
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Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
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DEAD-box RNA Helicases / genetics
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DEAD-box RNA Helicases / metabolism
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factors / genetics
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factors / metabolism
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Humans
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MicroRNAs / genetics
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MicroRNAs / metabolism
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Nuclear Receptor Coactivators / genetics
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Nuclear Receptor Coactivators / metabolism
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Plants / genetics
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Plants / metabolism
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Protein Binding
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RNA Interference
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RNA Splicing*
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RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
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RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism*
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RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Ribonuclease III / genetics
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Ribonuclease III / metabolism
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Schizosaccharomyces / genetics
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Schizosaccharomyces / metabolism
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Transcription, Genetic*
Substances
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AGO1 protein, human
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Argonaute Proteins
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Autoantigens
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Eukaryotic Initiation Factors
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MicroRNAs
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NCOA6 protein, human
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Nuclear Receptor Coactivators
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RNA, Small Interfering
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RNA-Binding Proteins
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TNRC6A protein, human
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DICER1 protein, human
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Ribonuclease III
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DEAD-box RNA Helicases