ChiTaRS 2.1--an improved database of the chimeric transcripts and RNA-seq data with novel sense-antisense chimeric...

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Chimeric RNAs, formed from multiple transcripts, are found in cancers and various organisms.
• These fusion transcripts may encode functional proteins, influencing disease phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the updated ChiTaRS 2.1 database, a comprehensive resource for chimeric transcripts and RNA-Seq data.
• To improve content and functionality for analyzing chimeric RNA evolution and cancer-related roles.

Main Methods:

• Collated chimeric transcripts from eight organisms, including novel sense-antisense (SAS) chimeras.
• Integrated RNA-Seq data to confirm expression and tissue specificity for 333 chimeric transcripts.
• Collected and verified over 1428 human cancer breakpoints from public databases.

Main Results:

• The ChiTaRS 2.1 database contains over 29,000 chimeric transcripts.
• Expression and tissue specificity data are available for 333 RNA-seq confirmed chimeras.
• The database facilitates analysis of evolutionary conservation, literature, and experimental support for chimeric fusions.

Conclusions:

• ChiTaRS 2.1 expands the understanding of chimeric transcript evolution in eukaryotes.
• The database provides valuable insights into the functional roles of chimeric RNAs in carcinogenesis.