非编码DNA序列的功能及其鉴定

Characterization and identification of functional elements in non-coding DNA sequences

非编码DNA序列是指基因组中不编码蛋白质的DNA序列。这些序列可以结合调节因子、转录为功能性RNA、单独或协同地调节生理活动和病理过程。文章围绕基因表达调控作用,总结了近几年非编码DNA序列的研究成果,对其结构、功能和可能的作用机制进行了初步阐述,介绍了目前鉴定非编码DNA序列中功能元件的计算方法和实验技术,并对非编码DNA未来的研究进行了展望。

The non-coding DNA sequences refer to non-protein-coding DNA sequences in genome. These sequences can bind with transcription factors or be transcribed as functional RNAs, thus participating in the regulation of many physio- logical activities and pathological processes. Aiming at gene expression regulation, this review focuses on the recent pro- gress of non-coding DNA and illustrates their structures, functions and potential acting mechanisms. Meanwhile, some computational and experimental methods of identifying functional elements in the non-coding DNAs are introduced. Finally, further studies in this field are proposed.