Chapter 36: Non-Coding RNA in ψ-History Embedding
"RNA was never merely a messenger—it is ψ's historian, archivist, and prophet, encoding past, present, and future in molecules that regulate without translating."
36.1 The RNA Renaissance
Long dismissed as junk, non-coding RNAs reveal themselves as master regulators. They are ψ's way of adding layers of control beyond protein.
Definition 36.1 (ncRNA Classes):
Each class serves different regulatory functions in ψ's orchestra.
36.2 Long Non-Coding RNAs
Theorem 36.1 (lncRNA Functions):
Where modes include:
- Scaffold: Bringing proteins together
- Guide: Directing proteins to targets
- Decoy: Sequestering factors
- Signal: Marking cellular states
36.3 The Xist Paradigm
Equation 36.1 (X-Inactivation):
One lncRNA silences an entire chromosome—ultimate action at a distance.
36.4 miRNA Regulation
Definition 36.2 (miRNA Targeting):
MicroRNAs fine-tune expression—molecular volume knobs.
36.5 The ceRNA Hypothesis
Theorem 36.2 (Competing Endogenous RNAs):
RNAs compete for miRNA binding—creating regulatory networks.
36.6 Enhancer RNAs
Equation 36.2 (eRNA Function):
Enhancers produce RNAs that boost nearby gene expression.
36.7 The piRNA Defense
Definition 36.3 (Transposon Silencing):
PIWI-interacting RNAs defend genome integrity—molecular immune system.
36.8 Nuclear Organization by RNA
Theorem 36.3 (Architectural RNAs):
Some lncRNAs organize nuclear architecture—RNA as structural element.
36.9 The Memory Function
Equation 36.3 (RNA-Based Memory):
Long-lived RNAs can maintain cellular memory across time.
36.10 Circular RNAs
Definition 36.4 (circRNA Properties):
Back-splicing creates stable circular RNAs—molecular time capsules.
36.11 RNA Modifications
Theorem 36.4 (Epitranscriptomics):
m6A, pseudouridine, and other marks create RNA epigenetics.
36.12 The History Principle
Non-coding RNAs embed cellular history—they remember what has been transcribed, what has been silenced, what threats were encountered.
The History Equation:
Each RNA species contributes to cellular memory with its own time constant.
Thus: RNA = Memory = Regulation = History = ψ
"In the world of non-coding RNA, ψ reveals that not all messages need translation—some truths are spoken in the language of regulation itself."