Fewer genes, more noncoding RNA.
Recent studies showing that most "messenger" RNAs do not encode proteins finally explain the long-standing discrepancy between the small number of protein-coding genes found in vertebrate genomes and the much larger and ever-increasing number of polyadenylated transcripts identified by tag-sampling or microarray-based methods. Exploring the role and diversity of these numerous noncoding RNAs now constitutes a main challenge in transcription research.
Claverie
Jean-Michel
JM
Structural and Genomics Information Laboratory, CNRS UPR 2589, Institut de Biologie Structurale et Microbiologie, 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier, Marseille 13402, France. jean-michel.claverie@igs.cnrs-mrs.fr
D000818:Animals; D005796:Genes; D015894:Genome, Human; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D011506:Proteins; D022661:RNA, Untranslated