ExportAid: database of RNA elements regulating nuclear RNA export in mammals

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Nuclear mRNA export and retention are regulated by RNA elements, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear.
• Understanding these processes requires comprehensive data on involved RNA elements and their trans-acting factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile experimentally validated data on RNA elements influencing mRNA export and retention in mammalian cells.
• To establish a centralized resource, the ExportAid database, for studying RNA export regulation.

Main Methods:

• Hand-curated literature screening was employed to collect data.
• Data was curated and organized into the ExportAid database.

Main Results:

• The ExportAid database contains experimentally assessed data on RNA elements affecting mRNA export.
• It includes 235 elements that increase export, 96 that decrease export, and 98 neutral sequences.
• The database covers endogenous, heterologous, and artificial RNAs in mammalian cells.

Conclusions:

• ExportAid provides a valuable resource for deciphering the 'RNA export language'.
• It facilitates the study of how mutations or polymorphisms may alter RNA export efficiency.