Long non-coding RNA controls immune cell development
Not all RNA in the cell makes proteins. Much of it stays untranslated and regulates other genes instead. Now researchers have shown that one such RNA molecule is critical for the development of a specific type of immune cell.
Innate lymphoid cells type 2 (ILC2s) are immune cells involved in responses to parasites, in allergic reactions, and in tissue repair. Their development depends on a transcription factor called Gata3, which directs precursor cells toward different immune lineages.
The researchers found that a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) called Dreg1, located just upstream of the Gata3 gene, is required for optimal ILC2 development. Without Dreg1, fewer ILC2s were produced. The RNA does not encode a protein; instead, it regulates when and how much Gata3 is expressed.
Why this is relevant for aging
The immune system changes with age. ILC2s are a particularly interesting cell class in this context: they contribute to chronic inflammation, late-onset asthma, and fat tissue regulation. Better understanding of how their development is controlled may shed light on age-related shifts in immune function.
Long non-coding RNAs are a relatively new area of research. Thousands of such molecules exist in the human genome, but the function of most remains unknown. Dreg1 now has a clearly defined role, making it a potential target for interventions aimed at modulating immune function.
Consequences for tissue repair
ILC2s are not only involved in infection responses. They also coordinate repair processes in tissue. Disrupted ILC2 production could affect the capacity of tissues to regenerate. In older adults, whose regenerative capacity is already reduced, this is a relevant mechanism to understand. Whether Dreg1 activity changes with age requires further investigation.