Sponge lincRNAs

What is it about?

In this paper we identify lincRNAs (long intergenic non-coding RNAs) in the calcareous sponge Sycon ciliatum, and characterise their expression during embryogenesis.

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Why is it important?

Increasing attention has been given to non-protein coding RNAs in recent years. But so far, little is known about their roles and distribution among early evolving animals. This study contributes to the growing knowledge that such RNAs likely played important roles already in the last common ancestor of all animals.