Objective: To investigate the role of a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed from the RHNO1 gene we newly identified in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair.
Methods: The transcription and translation of the RHNO1 gene were validated by Western blot, real-time PCR and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based on the overexpressed RHNO1 plasmid. The transcription level of RHNO1 in the mouse tissue was detected by real-time PCR and its expression in the spermatogenic cycle determined by in situ hybridization. The role of RHNO1 in the DNA DSB repair was further verified using the DSB model established by exposing the germ cells to ultraviolent radiation.
Results: The full-length RHNO1 gene could be transcribed as a novel lncRNA in vitro, highly expressed in the mouse testis tissue, and mainly located in spermatocytes and round spermatids. RHNO1 was involved in DNA DSB repair in the spermatogenic cells.
Conclusions: We identified a novel lncRNA, RHNO1, which is highly expressed in the mouse testis and participates in DNA damage repair in the germ cell line.
Keywords: DNA double-strand breaks; meiosis; non-coding RNA; RHNO1.