LncRNAs

More than 90% of the genome is transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs play important roles in regulating a wide range of cellular functions and developmental processes via function critically in the cis- and trans-regulation of gene expression, epigenetic modulation in the nucleus and post-transcriptional control in the cytoplasm. The dysregulation of lncRNAs has been linked to numerous human diseases. Our laboratory uses an RNA-centric approach to reveal the network of ncRNA-protein-genome. The long-term goal is to develop a therapeutic technology for human diseases by targeting ncRNAs.

TERRA

TElomeric Repeat containing RNA (TERRA), synthesized at the telomeric ends and highly conserved in eukaryotic cells, is a rising star lncRNA due to its crucial association with the telomere maintenance and human genetic disorders including cancer and the ICF syndrome (immunodeficiency, centromere instability, and facial anomalies). Telomeres are specialized DNA-protein structures that protect the ends of linear chromosomes and maintain genomic integrity. Studies uncovered that while TERRA plays a major role in telomere dynamics, TERRA also binds to sites throughout the genome and regulates gene expression. We are interested in the mechanisms by which TERRA regulates the telomere function and gene expression.