I propose a new model, called the “RNA memory” model, for the possible role of RNAs in the maintenance and establishment of cell identity. This is cytoplasmic memory obtained by the transmission of mother noncoding (nc) RNAs to daughter cells. These RNAs are able to activate transcription via sequence homology in daughter cells. Regulation of RNA memory is strictly linked to the regulation of ncRNAs with repressive features, such as the RNAs involved in RNA interference (RNAi). Misregulation of this system could lead to misidentity, and thus it could be involved in cancer transformation, progression of viral or genetic diseases, and progression of senescence.
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