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Bioinformatics tools and novel challenges in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) functional analysis
Letizia Da Sacco1, Antonella Baldassarre, Andrea Masotti
1Gene Expression, Microarrays Laboratory, IRCCS-Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, P.za S.Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy; E-Mails: letizia.dasacco@opbg.net (L.D.S.); antonellabalda@libero.it (A.B.).
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 8, 2012
Summary
This review highlights the critical roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gene regulation and epigenetics. It provides a guide to bioinformatics resources for studying these crucial non-coding RNAs and their involvement in diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Genomics
Background:
- Next-generation sequencing reveals a significant fraction of non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).
- lncRNAs play vital roles in gene expression regulation, epigenetics, and are implicated in various diseases.
- The vast and heterogeneous data on lncRNAs presents significant bioinformatics challenges for annotation and functional analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss freely available bioinformatics resources for lncRNA research.
- To provide a comprehensive guide for biologists and bioinformaticians focused on lncRNA functional analysis.
- To consolidate information on lncRNA resources published after the human genome project.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bioinformatics resources for lncRNAs.
- Categorization and discussion of available tools, public repositories, and databases.
- Focus on resources relevant to lncRNA annotation and functional analysis.
Main Results:
- Identification and summary of numerous bioinformatics resources dedicated to lncRNAs.
- Discussion of the diverse functionalities of lncRNAs, including gene activation, repression, and chromatin modification.
- Highlighting the importance of these resources for advancing lncRNA research.
Conclusions:
- The review serves as a valuable guide to the landscape of lncRNA bioinformatics tools.
- Effective utilization of these resources can address current challenges in lncRNA data analysis.
- This work supports the ongoing research into the functional roles and disease implications of lncRNAs.
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