长链非编码RNA的常用研究技术和方法

The Mini-review of Techniques and Methods Used for Long Noncoding RNA Studies

长链非编码RNA(long noncoding RNA,lncRNA)在胚胎发育、谱系分化、基因印迹、疾病发生等过程中都发挥着非常重要的调控作用,是转录调控的重要分支及热点。随着转录组学高通量测序技术的日臻完善,越来越多的lncRNA被发现。为了全面解析lncRNA的作用及调控机制,该综述从lncRNA的发现、表达、细胞定位、结构、功能、机制研究等不同方面总结了当前常用的研究技术、方法及它们的最新进展,为其深入研究提供了基础和线索。

Long noncoding RNA （lncRNA）, a novel class of noncoding RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides, are identified largely due to the rapid development of the next generation RNA sequencing technology. Recent studies reveal that lncRNAs play essential roles in a broad range of biological processes, including the embryonic development, lineage differentiation, genomic imprinting and disease pathology, etc. Given the necessary functions of lncRNAs, it is important to summary the techniques and methods currently used for lncRNA studies, which will shed more light on future lncRNA studies. Therefore, in this study we review the frequently- used mothods for the identification, expression, function, as well as the regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs, and update their most recent development.