The long non-coding RNA uc.4 influences cell differentiation through the TGF-beta signaling pathway

Insights into the role and function of an RNA molecule shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in abnormal heart development. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in various biological processes, including the development of cancers and congenital heart disease. Lingmei Qian at the first affiliated hospital of Nanjing Medical University and co-workers in China examined the function of an lncRNA called uc.4 in both mice stemcell lines and the hearts of zebrafish, an organismcommonly used for biological modelling. Overexpression of uc.4 in the mouse cells inhibited a key signalling pathway, which in turn influenced the cells' ability to differentiate. Uc.4 overexpression in the zebrafish resulted in abnormal heart development. The findings suggest uc.4 plays a vital role in healthy heart formation, and may provide a therapeutic target for congenital heart disease.