长非编码RNA生物特征研究与分析

Long non-coding RNAs: Insights into the biological property

长非编码RNA因其独特的生物特征和复杂的生物功能引起国内外广泛关注.本文对长非编码RNA的生物特征进行研究和分析,涉及长非编码RNA的鉴定、数据特征和功能特异性.首先从生物技术及计算预测两个层面对长非编码RNA的鉴定方法进行详细阐述,并列出当前主要的长非编码RNA数据库.其次,分析长非编码RNA的生物特征:核酸序列开放阅读框的长度、密码子偏好性、密码子替换频率、序列保守性等,以及长非编码RNA二级结构中长茎发夹结构的特异性出现,并论述了长非编码RNA的功能特异性,包括表达的时空特异性,复杂的代谢调控机制,与复杂疾病的关系.最后指出并探讨长非编码RNA未来需进一步研究的问题和主要研究方向.

Long non-coding RNAs （lncRNAs） draw a widespread attention on their study because of their specific properties and complex functions. Here we analyze the biological properties of lncRNAs, describing their identification, properties of their data and their roles in cells, and the key problems in the study of lncRNAs are brought forward. First, the methods applied into the identification of lncRNAs are analysed and compared carefully according to the two aspects, including the biological technology and data used to construct transcripts, and the computational methods to predict the coding potential of a transcript. The databases of lncRNAs are also listed. Then the biological properties of lncRNAs are analyzed and discussed, including the length of Open Reading Frame （ORF）, codon usage bias and codon substitution rate in their nucleotide sequences, and our study on their secondary structure is also discussed. Next, specific functions of lncRNAs are also described and analyzed. Finally, the key problems in the study of lncRNAs are brought forward and the progress in their future study is also indicated.