Integrated Genomic Analysis Reveals Key Features of Long Undecoded Transcript Isoform (LUTI)-based Gene Repression

Abstract

Long Undecoded Transcript Isoforms (LUTIs) represent a class of non-canonical mRNAs that downregulate gene expression through the combined act of transcriptional and translational repression. While single gene studies revealed some important aspects of LUTI-based repression, how these features impact gene regulation at a global scale is unknown. By using transcript leader and direct RNA sequencing, here we identify 74 LUTI candidates that are expressed specifically during meiotic prophase. Translational repression of these candidates is ubiquitous and dependent on upstream open reading frames. However, LUTI-based transcriptional repression is highly variable. In only 50% of the cases, LUTI transcription causes downregulation of the protein-coding transcript isoform. Higher LUTI expression, enrichment of histone 3 lysine 36 trimethylation, and changes in nucleosome position are the strongest predictors of LUTI-based transcriptional repression. We conclude that LUTIs downregulate gene expression in a manner that integrates translational repression, chromatin state changes, and the magnitude of LUTI expression.