Dr. Philipp Kapranov

Distinguished Professor of “ Thousand Foreign Talents Program”

Professor and Director of Institute of Genomics，Huaqiao University China

Abstract

Majority of human genome is pervasively transcribed to generate vast numbers of long non-coding (lnc) RNAs. However, it’s functional significance remains highly controversial owning to the following challenges. First, the existing classification of lncRNAs is confusing and often does not reflect functional properties of these transcripts. Second, existing biochemical and genetic methods are often inadequate to address the function of these transcripts. The final challenge comes from the vast extent of non-coding transcriptome spanning estimated 75% of the human genome. Recently, we proposed solutions to these challenges in novel classification scheme of lncRNAs and novel approaches to analyze their functions rooted in global, systems biology-based concepts, and applied it to functionally-characterize novel classes of lncRNAs, namely very long intergenic non-coding RNAs (vlincRNAs).  These solutions should be able to significantly streamline and assist in the community’s understanding and functional analysis of the massive universe of the non-coding transcription.