Non-Coding RNAs and Their Regulatory Systems: Evolutionary Origin and Putative Link with Ribozymes

This review addresses a hypothetical evolutionary scenario based on the self-organization of replicating RNA molecules, and substantiates their link with modern regulatory systems of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). We systematize modern scientific data that consider self-organizing RNA molecules as key evolutionary units of the prebiotic stage of life development, and analyze modern models of the formation of chemical RNA precursors in prebiotic conditions, as well as their further polymerization into functional RNAs. The analysis of putative scenarios for the formation of emergent states reveals the regulatory function of early RNA replicators and their role in the development of sophisticated biological systems. The widespread prevalence of regulatory ncRNAs across all groups of living organisms suggests their ancient origin. It is highly likely that modern RNA switches, group II introns, and spliceosomal introns, which are the source of most ncRNAs, originate from a common ancient RNA infrastructure, which may have ensured a coordination of replication, compartmentalization and metabolism during the early stages of evolution. By combining insights from biochemistry, genomics, and evolutionary biology, our analysis offers a comprehensive perspective on the molecular mechanisms underlying the origin and diversification of ncRNAs.