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Table 1 Differentiation of cis- and trans-asRNAs

From: Natural antisense RNAs as mRNA regulatory elements in bacteria: a review on function and applications

cis-asRNAs

trans-asRNAs

Also known as cis-NATs or cis effector asRNAs

Also known as trans-NATs or trans effector asRNAs

Transcribed from the opposing DNA strand of the target gene at the same genomic locus

Transcribed from a separate locus to the target gene

Display perfect or extensive sequence complementarity with the target gene

Display imperfect or short stretches of complementarity with the target gene

Target individual mRNAs

Target multiple sense targets and form complex regulation networks

Mostly short

Frequently longer: several hundred nt, in some examples several kb long