Noncoding RNA Plays a Role in Lupus Disease Development
Along with DNA and proteins, ribonucleic acid or RNA is one of the three major biological molecules essential for all known forms of life. RNA contains regions of information called noncoding and coding segments. For a long time, scientists thought noncoding regions of DNA and RNA weren’t very important. However, scientists are now just beginning to understand that these regions of noncoding RNA may have a significant role on disease.
In a new study, researchers used an advanced technology, known as high-throughput sequencing, to try and detect differences between long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) segments between people with lupus and healthy people. The findings revealed significant differences. Until now, high-throughput sequencing of lncRNA had never occurred in lupus. The results provide a foundation for clarifying that noncoding RNAs are involved in the development of lupus and suggests new ideas for effective treatment for lupus. Learn about what causes lupus.