Paraspeckles and ncRNA

RNA is generated within our cells as a consequence of the transcription of DNA. DNA transcription can produce messenger RNA (mRNA). Messenger RNA contains the information stored in DNA, which when translated, yields proteins. Other types of RNA are labled as non-coding because they do not facilitate protein formation. Some non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is known to regulate proteins by reacting with mRNA.

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have found evidence that some ncRNA is packaged into structures called paraspeckles which are located within the nucleus of cells. A related paper was published in the journal Genome Research. The Biology News site has an article providing details.

Paraspeckle function is not well known. It is speculated that paraspeckles may be part of a cellular rapid response function bought on by stress. The linked article notes Professor Spector's belief that paraspeckles might enable "cells to meet challenges such as viral infection more quickly." The structural integrity of paraspeckles is thought to be maintained by ncRNA.