Inherited non-coding RNAs
Zebrafish produce 100s of transparent eggs which when fertilized develop all organs within a few hours. They reach reproductive age in a few months. We showed that the oocytes contain 100s of non-coding RNAs. We are now studying individual RNAs, perturbing their inherited levels and monitoring the effect on early development, neurogenesis, adult behaviour and susceptibility to disease.
We have shown that the
microRNA miR-34 and
lncRNA Cyrano are inherited.
Partial loss of these inherited RNAs lead to brain developmental defects.
