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EVAtlas: a comprehensive database for ncRNA expression in human extracellular vesicles.
Chun-Jie Liu1, Gui-Yan Xie1, Ya-Ru Miao1
1Center for Artificial Intelligence Biology, Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430074, China.
This study presents EVAtlas, a comprehensive database detailing non-coding RNA (ncRNA) expression in extracellular vesicles (EVs) across diverse human conditions and diseases. EVAtlas aids in discovering ncRNA functions and biomarkers for EV applications.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication through encapsulated molecules.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) within EVs are crucial functional elements and potential biomarkers.
- Understanding ncRNA expression in EVs is essential for their functional exploration and therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a comprehensive database of ncRNA expression profiles in human extracellular vesicles (EVs).
- To facilitate the investigation of ncRNA functions, biomarker potential, and therapeutic applications associated with EVs.
Main Methods:
- Curated 2030 small RNA-sequencing datasets for human EVs (sEVs and lEVs) across 24 conditions and over 40 diseases.
- Developed and applied a unified Reads Dynamic Assignment Algorithm (RDAA) for accurate quantification of seven ncRNA types.
- Constructed the EVAtlas database (http://bioinfo.life.hust.edu.cn/EVAtlas) with functional modules for data exploration and analysis.
Main Results:
- Quantified expression profiles for miRNA, snoRNA, piRNA, snRNA, rRNA, tRNA, and Y RNA in human EVs.
- EVAtlas provides access to ncRNA distribution across 24 conditions and 8 sources (plasma, serum, saliva, urine, etc.).
- The database enables prioritization of candidate ncRNAs, exploration of condition-specific expression, and investigation of ncRNA functions and related targets.
Conclusions:
- EVAtlas is the most extensive resource for ncRNA expression in EVs to date.
- This database will serve as a key resource for researchers investigating EV biology and ncRNA functions.
- Facilitates discovery of novel ncRNA biomarkers and therapeutic targets within EVs.

