Unusual nature of long non-coding RNAs coding for "unusual peptides"

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important roles in various cellular processes. Since the last couple of years the involvements of lncRNAs during the onset of various diseases are coming to our knowledge. Though the name is long non-coding RNAs, some of them are able to code for proteins. Analyses of lncRNAs, viz., ENSG00000235387, ENSG00000262179, ENSG00000233101 and ENSG00000204272 elucidated that they could code for small proteins/peptides. The proteins/peptides encoded by these lncRNAs are referred to as SPAR, Minion/myomixer, HOXB-AS3 and NOBODY respectively. So far only the amino acid sequence details regarding these peptides are available. Interestingly, all the works pertaining to lncRNAs are linked to the genetic aspects and till date no structural studies are carried out. Therefore, in this present work, an attempt has been made to analyze the peptides encoded by lncRNAs from a structural point of view. Their three dimensional structural frameworks have been identified and from there the possible binding modes of the peptides have been predicted. Till date, this is the first report that is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanism of the functionalities of the peptides encoded by these lncRNAs. This study would therefore be beneficial to future drug development endeavors to come up with new therapeutic strategies against the diseases to which these peptides are linked.