ИСТИНА

The vast majority of the eukaryotic genome is transcribed to produce a broad range of RNAs, including both protein-coding and noncoding RNAs. Although several noncoding RNAs were found to contribute in various biological processes, including regulation of gene transcription and maintenance of genome spatial organization, the functions of the majority of noncoding RNAs remain obscure. To study the functions of noncoding RNAs in the cell nucleus, we developed a new whole-genome approach, designated Red-C (RNA ends on DNA capture), to simultaneously identify the sites of DNA binding for all RNA molecules present in the nucleus. The method is based on adapter-mediated ligation of RNA and DNA in situ followed by high-throughput sequencing of the chimeric RNA-DNA molecules. By using various cell models, we are studying the RNA-DNA interactome and its changes in cell differentiation, disease, aging, and other physiological processes. Our results will help to disclose functions and mechanisms of action of known noncoding RNAs and to identify new types of regulatory RNAs that control gene expression at the transcriptional level.