LncRNA2Target: a database for differentially expressed genes after lncRNA knockdown or overexpression

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression at multiple levels.
• Identifying specific lncRNA targets is crucial for understanding gene regulation.
• Current methods for assessing lncRNA effects involve gene expression profiling after manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present LncRNA2Target, a curated database of lncRNA-target gene interactions.
• To provide a publicly accessible resource for exploring these regulatory relationships.
• To facilitate research on the functional roles of lncRNAs.

Main Methods:

• Curated a database of lncRNA-to-target gene interactions.
• Defined target genes as those differentially expressed upon lncRNA knockdown or overexpression.
• Developed a web interface for searching lncRNA targets and lncRNAs targeting specific genes.

Main Results:

• Established LncRNA2Target, a comprehensive database of lncRNA-target gene associations.
• Implemented search functionalities by lncRNA name/ID or target gene name/ID.
• Provided a browsable catalog of lncRNA names.

Conclusions:

• LncRNA2Target serves as a valuable resource for the scientific community.
• The database simplifies the identification of lncRNA regulatory networks.
• It supports further investigation into the functions of lncRNAs in gene regulation.