Chair: Chengfeng Yang, Stony Brook University
Co-Chair: Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf, Van Andel Institute

Primary Endorser: Metals Specialty Section


Endorser(s): Carcinogenesis Specialty Section


Endorser(s): Mechanisms Specialty Section

The discovery and characterization of non-coding RNAs challenged the central dogma of molecular biology, representing a breakthrough in our understanding of RNA biology and functions. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a sub-class of ncRNAs, referring to RNA molecules that are more than 200 nucleotides in length and usually lack significant protein-coding capacities. With the completion of the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements Project and advances in genomic sequencing technologies, it is now believed that the human genome is pervasively transcribed, and a large portion of human genome is transcribed as ncRNAs, especially lncRNAs. The number of human lncRNA genes and transcripts are far more than protein-coding genes. Recent studies demonstrated that lncRNAs play critical roles in regulating gene expression, as well as many aspects of normal physiological processes. Dysregulations of lncRNA expressions and functions have been shown to be involved in the development and progression of many human diseases, especially cancer, although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Toxic metals are common environmental and occupational pollutants and important etiologic factors for cancer and other diseases, with the underlying mechanism not well understood. The effects of toxic metals and other environmental pollutants on lncRNA expression and functions are exciting and emerging research areas in toxicology. The goals of this Symposium are to introduce current lncRNA research in the field of toxicology and to discuss the role and mechanism of lncRNA dysregulations in metal toxicity and carcinogenesis. To achieve these goals, this session will convene a panel of outstanding lncRNA and metal researchers. The first speaker, an expert in studying the effect of environmental pollutant exposure on lncRNA expression and function, will present a brief overview on current lncRNA research, followed by his exciting work on xenobiotic-responsive hepatic lncRNAs. Next, three experts in metal toxicology research will present their cutting-edge studies to show how three toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, and chromium) dysregulate lncRNA expression and how the dysregulated lncRNAs are involved in metal-induced neurotoxicity, cancer stem cell–like properties, and carcinogenesis. Since few compelling lncRNA studies have been done in the field of metal toxicology, we are only able to include recent research on the effects of arsenic, cadmium, and chromium on lncRNA expression and function in this Symposium. Outstanding diverse speakers from both inside and outside the US, including scientists from underrepresented groups, are recruited to this Symposium. These topics are of interest not just to metal researchers but also to those studying the mechanisms of action of other toxicants. This session will introduce the concept of lncRNAs to those not familiar with the subject and will attract an expanded SOT audience of metals and other toxicology researchers.