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MalK RNA Motifs
''malK'' RNA motifs are conserved RNA structures that were discovered by bioinformatics. They are defined by being consistently located upstream of ''malK'' genes, which encode an ATPase that is used by transporters whose ligand is likely a kind of sugar. Most of these genes are annotated either as transporting maltose or glycerol-3-phosphate ''sn''-Glycerol 3-phosphate is the organic ion with the formula HOCH2CH(OH)CH2OPO32-. It is one of two stereoisomers of the ester of dibasic phosphoric acid (HOPO32-) and glycerol. It is a component of bacterial and eukaryotic glycerophospholip ..., however the substrate of the transporters associated with ''malK'' motif RNAs has not been experimentally determined. All known types of ''malK'' RNA motif are generally located nearby to the Shine-Dalgarno sequence of the downstream gene. Given their positions upstream of genes and proximal to Shine-Dalgarno sequences, ''malK'' RNA motifs likely function as cis-regulatory elements, to reg ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Bioinformatics Discovery Of Non-coding RNAs
Non-coding RNAs have been discovered using both experimental and bioinformatic approaches. Bioinformatic approaches can be divided into three main categories. The first involves homology search, although these techniques are by definition unable to find new classes of ncRNAs. The second category includes algorithms designed to discover specific types of ncRNAs that have similar properties. Finally, some discovery methods are based on very general properties of RNA, and are thus able to discover entirely new kinds of ncRNAs. Discovery by homology search Homology search refers to the process of searching a sequence database for RNAs that are similar to already known RNA sequences. Any algorithm that is designed for homology search of nucleic acid sequences can be used, e.g., BLAST. However, such algorithms typically are not as sensitive or accurate as algorithms specifically designed for RNA. Of particular importance for RNA is its conservation of a secondary structure, which ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |