Interactive database maps snoRNAs' role in gene regulation

A new study explores the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in gene regulation. These non-coding RNA molecules are linked to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) focused on snoRNAs in zebrafish, a common model for genetic research. The study was led by Dr. Máté Varga and published in NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics. The team developed an online database called "snoDanio" to help others visualize snoRNA functions. Their work found 67 new snoRNAs and looked at how these molecules behave during the development of zebrafish and in different adult tissues. snoRNA molecules play a crucial role in modifying ribosomes, which create proteins. Changes in snoRNA expression can affect how ribosomes work, which might be linked to serious health issues like colon cancer. This study is the first to comprehensively map snoRNAs in zebrafish, contributing significantly to our understanding of these important regulatory molecules. Zebrafish are a useful model for studying human diseases because they share many genes with humans. The snoDanio database will allow other researchers to examine snoRNA expression in their work, potentially improving disease models and leading to better understanding of complex human diseases.