Transcription of satellite DNA in human embryogenesis: review of literature and own data
Satellite DNA forms large arrays within heterochromatic regions of chromosomes and constitutes an essential part of the «non-coding landscape» of eukaryotic genomes. Experimental data suggest that non-coding RNAs transcribed from satellite DNA, are strand- and tissue-specific, and its transcription depends on the cell type, cell cycle, cell differentiation and stage of development. It can be induced by various stress effect and cancerogenesis. Transcripts of satellite DNA which can be associated with the processes of implantation and regulation of the embryonic genome during early human development are of interest. The article covers general organization of the human satellite DNA, literature data on transcription of the satellite DNA and function of synthesized transcripts. Our own data on the transcriptional activity of satellite 3 of the chromosome 1 in the embryonic and extraembryonic human tissues are included.