Insights into Enhancer RNAs: Biogenesis and Emerging Role in Brain Diseases

Neuroscientist. 2023 Apr;29(2):166-176. doi: 10.1177/10738584211046889. Epub 2021 Oct 6.

Abstract

Enhancers are cis-acting elements that control the transcription of target genes and are transcribed into a class of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) termed enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). eRNAs have shorter half-lives than mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs; however, the frequency of transcription of eRNAs is close to that of mRNAs. eRNA expression is associated with a high level of histone mark H3K27ac and a low level of H3K27me3. Although eRNAs only account for a small proportion of ncRNAs, their functions are important. eRNAs can not only increase enhancer activity by promoting the formation of enhancer-promoter loops but also regulate transcriptional activation. Increasing numbers of studies have found that eRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of brain diseases; however, further research into eRNAs is required. This review discusses the concept, characteristics, classification, function, and potential roles of eRNAs in brain diseases.

Keywords: brain disease; enhancer RNAs; function; mechanism.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases* / genetics
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic / genetics
  • Humans
  • RNA
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • RNA
  • RNA, Untranslated