Motivation: Whole-genome sequencing has revolutionized biosciences by providing tools for constructing complete DNA sequences of individuals. With entire genomes at hand, scientists can pinpoint DNA fragments responsible for oncogenesis and predict patient responses to cancer treatments. Machine learning plays a paramount role in this process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Long noncoding RNAs represent a large class of transcripts with two common features: they exceed an arbitrary length threshold of 200 nt and are assumed to not encode proteins. Although a growing body of evidence indicates that the vast majority of lncRNAs are potentially nonfunctional, hundreds of them have already been revealed to perform essential gene regulatory functions or to be linked to a number of cellular processes, including those associated with the etiology of human diseases. To better understand the biology of lncRNAs, it is essential to perform a more in-depth study of their evolution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of potent regulators of gene expression that are found in a wide array of eukaryotes; however, our knowledge about these molecules in plants is very limited. In particular, a number of plant species with important roles in biotechnology, agriculture and basic research still lack comprehensively identified and annotated sets of lncRNAs. To address these shortcomings, we previously created a database of lncRNAs in 10 model species, called CANTATAdb, and now we are expanding this online resource to encompass 39 species, including three algae.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of intensely studied, yet enigmatic molecules that make up a substantial portion of the human transcriptome. In this work, we link the origins and functions of some lncRNAs to retroposition, a process resulting in the creation of intronless copies (retrocopies) of the so-called parental genes. We found 35 human retrocopies transcribed in antisense and giving rise to 58 lncRNA transcripts.
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