Brief Description:
The process of mRNA decay, such as the Staufen1 (STAU1)-mediated mRNA decay (SMD), is integral to the post transcriptional control of genes that have been shown to be involved in a number of diseases. Alu elements are the most prominent repeats in the human genome: they constitute more than 10% of the human genome. The inventors report novel roles for Alu elements and lncRNAs whereby SMD is activated upon the formation of STAU1-binding sites (SBS).
Applications:
Isolated inhibition of SMD could be useful in upregulating physiologic transcripts, in disease states caused by the lack of sufficient functional protein.
Advantages:
The involvement of SMD in modulating the expression of oncogenic, proto-oncogenic, angiogenic and immunologic transcripts makes it an attractive target for pharmacological manipulation and future therapeutic development.