VlincRNAs Provide Clues to Genomic Dark Matter | The Institute for Creation Research

VlincRNAs Provide Clues to Genomic Dark Matter

Scientists have known for several years that the human genome is pervasively copied into various RNA molecules (transcripts), although scientists have been unsure about what much of it actually does. New research shows that about 10 percent of the genome encodes a newly characterized type of regulatory molecules called "vlincRNA."1

When scientists first completed a draft of the human genome, they discovered that it only contained about 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes.2 However, researchers soon discovered that these protein-coding genes produced a vast array of RNA transcript variants and that the other regions of the genome were also transcribed into RNA molecules of diverse types and categories.3 Because much of the function and purpose of this non-coding RNA was a complete mystery, it was given the label "dark matter."

One of the first types of RNA discovered that were associated with this so-called dark matter were called long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNA) because they were encoded in regions of the genome in between protein-coding genes.4 These lincRNAs are typically shorter than most protein-coding genes. They also have the same regulatory and control features as protein-coding genes and produce RNA transcripts that are processed similarly with a protective cap and a regulatory tail. Functions for these lincRNAs include cell-cycle regulation, programmed cell death, and the establishment of cell identity.4

Amazingly, a new type of lincRNA sequence in the genome has recently been characterized that actually constitutes a whole new class of DNA sequence and accounts for a whopping 10 percent of the entire human genome.1 These "vlincRNAs" (very long intergenic non-coding RNAs) are much larger than protein-coding genes or standard lincRNAs; their median length is about 83,360 bases. In this new study, researchers discovered 2,147 different vlincRNAs in the human genome. When the vlincRNAs were evaluated in a variety of cell types, they were found to be associated with cell identity, developmental states, and cancer—illustrating their importance to human cell and tissue development and overall human health.

Another interesting feature of the vlincRNA discovery was the fact that the regulatory code that controlled the vlincRNA’s expression was related to features found in transposable elements—another former category of junk DNA. The importance of transposable elements in regulating gene expression and function for the genome is now becoming well-established.5

Based on the results of this study, researchers speculated that vlincRNAs work to create a scaffold in the cell’s nucleus to regulate gene expression and function for both protein-coding genes and other non-coding regulatory RNAs. Clearly, the aberrant vlincRNA profiles found in cancerous cells, compared to normal cells, illustrate their importance as key regulators of human health.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of this vlincRNA research paper was the positive attitude of the scientists reflected in their premise of looking for purpose and function in the genome. The negative fault-finding paradigm of evolution, that constantly looks for mistakes in the human genome to attribute to naturalistic processes, was conspicuously absent.

Of course, the amazing discovery that vlincRNAs entail can ultimately only be properly understood in light of intelligent-design principles attributed to an all wise and powerful Creator.

References

  1. St Laurent III, G., et al. 2013. VlincRNAs controlled by retroviral elements are a hallmark of pluripotency and cancer. Genome Biology. 14 (7): R73 doi:10.1186/gb-2013-14-7-r73.
  2. International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium. 2004. Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome. Nature. 431 (7011): 931-945.
  3. Clark, M.B., et al. 2011. The Reality of Pervasive Transcription. PLoS Biol. 9 (7): 9:e1000625.
  4. Ulitsky, I. and D.P. Bartel. 2013. lincRNAs: Genomics, Evolution, and Mechanisms. Cell. 154 (1): 26-46.
  5. Tomkins, J. 2013. Transposable Elements Are Key to Genome Regulation. Creation Science Update. Posted on icr.org March 27, 2013, accessed August 10, 2013.

*Dr. Tomkins is Research Associate at the Institute for Creation Research and received his Ph.D. in Genetics from Clemson University.

Article posted on August 19, 2013.

The Latest
NEWS
Liberty and the Word of God
“And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts” (Psalm 119:45). July 4th is called Independence Day here in our country because on...

NEWS
July 2025 ICR Wallpaper
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome...

NEWS
Valued Longtime ICR Employee Mary Smith Retires
Mary Morris Smith, an employee of the Institute for Creation Research for many years, has retired. The second daughter of ICR founder Dr. Henry M. Morris...

NEWS
Man of Science, Man of God: George Washington Carver
Who:  George Washington Carver What: Father of Modern Agriculture When: 1864 or 1865 – January 5, 1943 Where: Diamond Grove,...

ACTS & FACTS
The Scopes Monkey Trial: A Battle of Worldviews
Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton, Tennessee, and its statue of William Jennings Bryan Image credit: M. Mueller The Scopes Monkey...

ACTS & FACTS
Long Non-Coding RNAs: The Unsung Heroes of the Genome
Evolutionary theory holds that all living things came about through random, natural processes. So conventional scientists believe the genome has developed...

ACTS & FACTS
Yosemite National Park, Part 1: Tiny Clues of a Grand Picture
Yosemite National Park in California is a sure source of stunning scenery. It’s no wonder that American naturalist John Muir persuaded President...

ACTS & FACTS
From Inference to Theory: A Common Design Case Study
Without a doubt, humans, chimpanzees, and other organisms share similar features. An early explanation was that these features reflect similar designs...

ACTS & FACTS
Creation Kids: T. rex
by Michael Stamp and Susan Windsor* You're never too young to be a creation scientist and explore our Creator's world. Kids, discover...

ACTS & FACTS
Entering By The Door
Recently, I hosted a visiting pastor from a large church at ICR’s Discovery Center. As I guided him through our Dallas museum, one conversation...