Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), conventionally defined as RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that lack protein-coding potential, have emerged as key regulators of diverse biological processes, including metabolism, development, cellular differentiation, and stress responses. They modulate cellular functions through multiple mechanisms, including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and the control of RNA stability and translation. Most lncRNAs are transcribed by RNA polymerase II and undergo canonical RNA processing, including splicing, polyadenylation, and 5′ N7-methylguanosine (m⁷G) capping. However, whether cytoplasmic recapping of lncRNAs can promote the production of functional micropeptides remains poorly understood.
In this study, we investigated the functional consequences of cytoplasmic recapping of MALAT1, a highly abundant and broadly expressed lncRNA. We demonstrate that cytoplasmic processing and recapping of a MALAT1 decay intermediate support the production of a previously uncharacterized micropeptide, designated MARS (MALAT1 Responsive to Stress). We further identify RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures in the 5′ region of MALAT1 that inhibit MARS translation, revealing an additional layer of structural regulation. MARS expression increases in response to arsenite-induced oxidative stress and is associated with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-containing complexes. Furthermore, MARS is implicated in the regulation of antioxidant response element-associated genes, including SOD and CAT, suggesting a potential role in cellular antioxidant defense.
Collectively, our findings identify a previously unrecognized functional output of cytoplasmic RNA recapping and expand the potential coding repertoire of lncRNAs. This study highlights a mechanism through which cytoplasmic RNA processing may contribute to micropeptide production and suggests a role for MALAT1-derived MARS in oxidative stress-responsive gene regulation.