Antisense RNA blocking gene activity is needed for the body’s internal clock to work

Transcription of the long non-coding frq antisense RNA (qrf) is induced by light and oscillates in antiphase to the frq sense RNA.

• qrf transcription is regulated by both light-dependent and light-independent mechanisms.
• Light-dependent qrf transcription represses frq expression and is involved in clock resetting.
• Light-independent qrf expression is necessary for maintaining circadian rhythmicity.
• frq transcription inhibits qrf expression, contributing to the antiphasic rhythm of qrf transcripts.
• The interaction between frq and qrf transcription forms a double negative feedback loop that supports sustained circadian rhythms.
• Antisense transcription may inhibit sense expression through chromatin modifications and premature termination.

Simplified