Unlocking the lncRNA functions at the synapse

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in the formation of long-term memories (LTM). While nuclear-enriched lncRNAs are well known for their roles in transcriptional and epigenetic regulation, much less is understood about the functions and mechanisms of cytoplasmic lncRNAs in neurons. Our recent findings reveal that lncRNAs are actively transported to dendrites, where they serve as scaffolds for a wide array of coding and non-coding RNAs, as well as proteins. In this talk, I will explore the mechanisms that drive lncRNA transport from the soma to dendrites, the dynamics of this transport, the key regulatory elements that mediate their functions, their molecular interactions, and how they influence activity-dependent synaptic remodelling and long-term memory formation.