Title:Recommendations for Bioinformatic Tools in lncRNA Research
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Author(s): Rebecca Distefano, Mirolyuba Ilieva, Sarah Rennie*Shizuka Uchida*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Center for RNA Medicine,
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark
Keywords:
Bioinformatics, gene expression, lncRNA, RNA-seq, screening, tools.
Abstract: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) typically refer to non-protein coding RNAs that are
longer than 200 nucleotides. Historically dismissed as junk DNA, over two decades of research have revealed
that lncRNAs bind to other macromolecules (e.g., DNA, RNA, and/or proteins) to modulate signaling
pathways and maintain organism viability. Their discovery has been significantly aided by the
development of bioinformatics tools in recent years. However, the diversity of tools for lncRNA discovery
and functional prediction can present a challenge for researchers, especially bench scientists and clinicians.
This Perspective article aims to navigate the current landscape of bioinformatic tools suitable
for both protein-coding and lncRNA genes. It aims to provide a guide for bench scientists and clinicians
to select the appropriate tools for their research questions and experimental designs.
