POSTAR3: an updated platform for exploring post-transcriptional regulation coordinated by RNA-binding proteins

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial for post-transcriptional gene regulation.
• Identifying RBP binding sites across various species and conditions is essential for understanding gene expression control in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present POSTAR3, an updated database for annotating RBP binding sites and post-transcriptional regulation.
• To provide a comprehensive resource for studying RBP functions in diverse biological contexts.

Main Methods:

• Integrated large-scale CLIP-seq and Ribo-seq datasets covering expanded biological conditions, technologies, and species.
• Incorporated RNA secondary structure profiling, miRNA-mediated degradation events (validated by degradome-seq), and RBP binding sites at circRNA junctions.
• Expanded annotation with updated genomic variants and disease-associated mutations.

Main Results:

• POSTAR3 offers a significantly updated and expanded map of RBP binding sites.
• The database includes novel annotations for RNA secondary structures, miRNA interactions, and circRNA binding.
• Enhanced integration of disease-related genomic variants provides insights into pathological mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• POSTAR3 serves as a valuable, freely accessible resource for researchers studying RBP-mediated gene regulation.
• The updated database facilitates deeper investigation into the roles of RBPs in physiological and pathological processes across multiple species.