Computational identification and functional predictions of long noncoding RNA in Zea mays.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Computational analysis of cDNA sequences from multiple organisms suggests that a large portion of transcribed DNA does not code for a functional protein. In mammals, noncoding transcription is abundant, and often results in functional RNA molecules that do not appear to encode proteins. Many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear to have epigenetic regulatory function in humans, including HOTAIR and XIST. While epigenetic gene regulation is clearly an essential mechanism in plants, relatively little is known about the presence or function of lncRNAs in plants.

Methodology/principal findings

To explore the connection between lncRNA and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in plants, a computational pipeline using the programming language Python has been developed

SUBMITTER: Boerner S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3420876 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature