yylncT Defines a Class of Divergently Transcribed lncRNAs and Safeguards the T-mediated Mesodermal Commitment of Human PSCs

Stefan Frank, Gaurav Ahuja, Deniz Bartsch, Nicole Russ, Wenjie Yao, Joseph Chao-Chung Kuo, Jens-Peter Derks, Vijay Suresh Akhade, Yulia Kargapolova, Theodore Georgomanolis, Jan-Erik Messling, Marie Gramm, Lilija Brant, Rizwan Rehimi, Natalia Emilse Vargas, Alina Kuroczik, Tsun-Po Yang, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Sahito, Julia Franzen, Juergen HeschelerAgapios Sachinidis, Martin Peifer, Alvaro Rada-Iglesias, Meena Kanduri, Ivan G Costa, Chandrasekhar Kanduri, Argyris Papantonis, Leo Kurian

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Human protein-coding genes are often accompanied by divergently transcribed non-coding RNAs whose functions, especially in cell fate decisions, are poorly understood. Using an hESC-based cardiac differentiation model, we define a class of divergent lncRNAs, termed yin yang lncRNAs (yylncRNAs), that mirror the cell-type-specific expression pattern of their protein-coding counterparts. yylncRNAs are preferentially encoded from the genomic loci of key developmental cell fate regulators. Most yylncRNAs are spliced polyadenylated transcripts showing comparable expression patterns in vivo in mouse and in human embryos. Signifying their developmental function, the key mesoderm specifier BRACHYURY (T) is accompanied by yylncT, which localizes to the active T locus during mesoderm commitment. yylncT binds the de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B, and its transcript is required for activation of the T locus, with yylncT depletion specifically abolishing mesodermal commitment. Collectively, we report a lncRNA-mediated regulatory layer safeguarding embryonic cell fate transitions.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCell Stem Cell
Volume24
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)318-327.e8
ISSN1934-5909
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Feb 2019
Externally publishedYes

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