The 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of mRNAs is a critical regulator of gene expression, influencing mRNA stability, localisation, translation, and degradation through interactions with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Interestingly, portions of 3′UTRs, known as 3′UTR-derived RNAs, can be independently expressed and localised, often diverging from their parent mRNAs in cell-specific and tissue-specific patterns. This diversity is particularly pronounced in brain tissues, where neural mRNAs frequently excise the longest 3′UTRs, leading to complex regulatory mechanisms.

In neurons, 3′UTR-derived RNAs play pivotal roles in modulating protein levels, and their accumulation correlates with aging and regional differences in metabolism and oxidative stress. These dynamics not only shed light on fundamental processes of brain aging but also suggest potential links to neurodegenerative diseases. My research focuses on unraveling the functional significance of 3′UTR-derived RNAs in aging brains and exploring their role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders.