Non-coding 886 (nc886/vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck – implications for future studies

Non-coding 886 (nc886, vtRNA2–1) is the only human polymorphically imprinted gene, in which the methylation status is not determined by genetics. Existing literature regarding the establishment, stability and consequences of the methylation pattern, as well as the nature and function of the nc886 RN...

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Main Authors: Emma Raitoharju, Sonja Rajić, Saara Marttila
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2024-12-01
Series:Epigenetics
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15592294.2024.2332819
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author Emma Raitoharju
Sonja Rajić
Saara Marttila
author_facet Emma Raitoharju
Sonja Rajić
Saara Marttila
author_sort Emma Raitoharju
collection DOAJ
description Non-coding 886 (nc886, vtRNA2–1) is the only human polymorphically imprinted gene, in which the methylation status is not determined by genetics. Existing literature regarding the establishment, stability and consequences of the methylation pattern, as well as the nature and function of the nc886 RNAs transcribed from the locus, are contradictory. For example, the methylation status of the locus has been reported to be stable through life and across somatic tissues, but also susceptible to environmental effects. The nature of the produced nc886 RNA(s) has been redefined multiple times, and in carcinogenesis, these RNAs have been reported to have conflicting roles. In addition, due to the bimodal methylation pattern of the nc886 locus, traditional genome-wide methylation analyses can lead to false-positive results, especially in smaller datasets. Herein, we aim to summarize the existing literature regarding nc886, discuss how the characteristics of nc886 give rise to contradictory results, as well as to reinterpret, reanalyse and, where possible, replicate the results presented in the current literature. We also introduce novel findings on how the distribution of the nc886 methylation pattern is associated with the geographical origins of the population and describe the methylation changes in a large variety of human tumours. Through the example of this one peculiar genetic locus and RNA, we aim to highlight issues in the analysis of DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs in general and offer our suggestions for what should be taken into consideration in future analyses.
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spelling doaj-art-18b7c3bd787c49ccb22c0b7d17d666c22025-08-20T02:30:41ZengTaylor & Francis GroupEpigenetics1559-22941559-23082024-12-0119110.1080/15592294.2024.2332819Non-coding 886 (nc886/vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck – implications for future studiesEmma Raitoharju0Sonja Rajić1Saara Marttila2Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, FinlandMolecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, FinlandMolecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, FinlandNon-coding 886 (nc886, vtRNA2–1) is the only human polymorphically imprinted gene, in which the methylation status is not determined by genetics. Existing literature regarding the establishment, stability and consequences of the methylation pattern, as well as the nature and function of the nc886 RNAs transcribed from the locus, are contradictory. For example, the methylation status of the locus has been reported to be stable through life and across somatic tissues, but also susceptible to environmental effects. The nature of the produced nc886 RNA(s) has been redefined multiple times, and in carcinogenesis, these RNAs have been reported to have conflicting roles. In addition, due to the bimodal methylation pattern of the nc886 locus, traditional genome-wide methylation analyses can lead to false-positive results, especially in smaller datasets. Herein, we aim to summarize the existing literature regarding nc886, discuss how the characteristics of nc886 give rise to contradictory results, as well as to reinterpret, reanalyse and, where possible, replicate the results presented in the current literature. We also introduce novel findings on how the distribution of the nc886 methylation pattern is associated with the geographical origins of the population and describe the methylation changes in a large variety of human tumours. Through the example of this one peculiar genetic locus and RNA, we aim to highlight issues in the analysis of DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs in general and offer our suggestions for what should be taken into consideration in future analyses.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15592294.2024.2332819nc886vtRNA2–1epigeneticsDNA methylationnon-coding RNA
spellingShingle Emma Raitoharju
Sonja Rajić
Saara Marttila
Non-coding 886 (nc886/vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck – implications for future studies
Epigenetics
nc886
vtRNA2–1
epigenetics
DNA methylation
non-coding RNA
title Non-coding 886 (nc886/vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck – implications for future studies
title_full Non-coding 886 (nc886/vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck – implications for future studies
title_fullStr Non-coding 886 (nc886/vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck – implications for future studies
title_full_unstemmed Non-coding 886 (nc886/vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck – implications for future studies
title_short Non-coding 886 (nc886/vtRNA2-1), the epigenetic odd duck – implications for future studies
title_sort non coding 886 nc886 vtrna2 1 the epigenetic odd duck implications for future studies
topic nc886
vtRNA2–1
epigenetics
DNA methylation
non-coding RNA
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15592294.2024.2332819
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AT sonjarajic noncoding886nc886vtrna21theepigeneticoddduckimplicationsforfuturestudies
AT saaramarttila noncoding886nc886vtrna21theepigeneticoddduckimplicationsforfuturestudies