Using the NONCODE Database Resource.

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play crucial roles in biological processes.
• The rapid generation of biological data necessitates comprehensive databases for lncRNA research.
• Identifying and annotating lncRNA genes and their functions is vital for modern biological and medical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the most complete collection and annotation of non-coding RNAs, with a focus on lncRNA genes.
• To make integrated lncRNA information freely accessible to the scientific community.
• To provide tools and protocols for exploring lncRNA data, including sequence, expression, and disease associations.

Main Methods:

• Assimilation of information from diverse sources: published articles, RNA-seq data, micro-array data, and genetic variation databases (dbSNP, GWAS).
• Organization and public dissemination of integrated lncRNA data via the internet.
• Development of protocols for browsing, searching, and analyzing lncRNA information, including functional prediction and species conservation assays.

Main Results:

• As of December 2016, NONCODE cataloged 487,851 lncRNA genes from 16 species.
• The database provides comprehensive annotation for lncRNA genes.
• Freely available online resources facilitate access to lncRNA data and analysis tools.

Conclusions:

• NONCODE serves as an essential resource for modern biological and medical research by consolidating lncRNA information.
• The database supports the ongoing identification of novel lncRNA genes and their relationships with diseases.
• Accessible data and tools in NONCODE empower researchers to investigate lncRNA functions and implications.