Long non-coding RNAs: Insights into the biological property

Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs) draw a widespread attention on their study because of their specific properties and complex functions.Here we analyze the biological properties of lncRNAs,describing their identification,properties of their data and their roles in cells,and the key problems in the study of lncRNAs are brought forward.First,the methods applied into the identification of lncRNAs are analysed and compared carefully according to the two aspects,including the biological technology and data used to construct transcripts,and the computational methods to predict the coding potential of a transcript.The databases of lncRNAs are also listed.Then the biological properties of lncRNAs are analyzed and discussed,including the length of Open Reading Frame(ORF),codon usage bias and codon substitution rate in their nucleotide sequences,and our study on their secondary structure is also discussed.Next,specific functions of lncRNAs are also described and analyzed.Finally,the key problems in the study of lncRNAs are brought forward and the progress in their future study is also indicated.