Journal of Systems Biology & Proteome Research

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Mini Review - Journal of Systems Biology & Proteome Research (2023) Volume 4, Issue 4

Genome annotation and non-coding RNAs: Unlocking hidden biological players

Jacqueline Lew*

Department of Glycoproteomics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States

Corresponding Author:
Jacqueline Lew
Department of Glycoproteomics
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States
E-mail: Lewjac34@edu.us

Received: 05-July-2023, Manuscript No. AASBPR-23- 104980; Editor assigned: 06-July-2023, PreQC No. AASBPR-23- 104980 (PQ); Reviewed: 19-July-2023, QC No AASBPR-23-104980; Revised: 21-July-2023,Manuscript No. AASBPR-23- 104980 (R);Published: 28-July-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aasbpr-4.4.160

Citation: Lew J. Genome annotation and non-coding RNAs: Unlocking hidden biological players. J Syst Bio Proteome Res. 2023;4(4):160

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Abstract

    

Introduction

The completion of the Human Genome Project marked a significant milestone in our understanding of the human genome. However, it also revealed that the majority of the genome does not encode proteins. Previously dismissed as "junk DNA," this non-coding portion of the genome is now recognized to play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cellular processes. Genome annotation, the process of identifying genes and their functions, has been instrumental in uncovering the presence and significance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as hidden biological players [1].

Traditionally, the focus of genome annotation was on protein-coding genes, which comprise only a small fraction of the entire genome. However, with the advent of advanced sequencing technologies and computational tools, researchers discovered that the non-coding regions of the genome are far from functionally inert. These regions produce various classes of ncRNAs, which are transcribed but do not code for proteins [2].

ncRNAs can be categorized into different classes based on their size and function. Small ncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are short RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and either degrading them or inhibiting their translation into proteins. These small ncRNAs play critical roles in processes like development, cellular homeostasis, and disease [3].

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are another class of ncRNAs that exceed 200 nucleotides in length. They are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and cellular signaling. lncRNAs can interact with DNA, RNA, and proteins, exerting regulatory effects on gene expression and cellular functions. Genome annotation has played a crucial role in identifying and characterizing lncRNAs, shedding light on their diverse functions [4].

Furthermore, genome annotation has revealed the existence of other types of ncRNAs, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs) and enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). circRNAs are formed by a unique back-splicing process that results in a covalently closed circular structure. They are abundantly expressed and have been implicated in the regulation of gene expression, acting as miRNA sponges or interacting with RNA-binding proteins. eRNAs, on the other hand, are transcribed from enhancer regions of the genome and play a role in the activation of gene expression [5].

The discovery of ncRNAs and their roles in gene regulation has transformed our understanding of the genome's complexity. Genome annotation provides the necessary framework to identify and characterize these ncRNAs, allowing researchers to explore their functions and mechanisms of action. It involves the integration of various genomic datasets, such as RNA sequencing data and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data, to map ncRNA expression patterns and identify their genomic origins [6].

Conclusion

In conclusion, genome annotation has played a pivotal role in uncovering the hidden biological players represented by ncRNAs. These non-coding regions of the genome have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression and cellular processes. Through genome annotation, researchers have identified and characterized various classes of ncRNAs, shedding light on their functions and mechanisms. The study of ncRNAs has broadened our understanding of the genome's complexity and has promising implications for disease diagnosis and treatment. As genome annotation techniques continue to advance, we can anticipate further discoveries that will deepen our understanding of ncRNAs and their impact on biology and human health.

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