Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in fine regulation of gene expression programs, and thus contribute to various biological progresses and pathogenesis in eukaryotic organisms. The Computational Biomedicine Group at Peking University focus their research interests on elucidating the biology and the clinical applications of special categories of lncRNAs, such as circRNAs and TE-derived lncRNAs, by both computational and experimental approaches.

• circRNAs

Circular RNAs are a subclass of lncRNAs with special structure, which exist as covalently closed single-stranded circularized RNAs. Although hundreds of circRNAs have shown their significance in complex traits and diseases, most circRNAs are considered as by-products of splicing and not functionalized. To efficiently screen functional circRNAs, we developed several approaches and technologies, including circQTL-GWAS colocolization, DEBKS, and circFL-seq.

• TE-associated RNAs

TBW