17. 02. 2020 Issue 68
Redefining Coding and Non-Coding RNAs

Professor Chan Ting Fung from School of Life Sciences recently discovered that long non-coding RNAs (IncRNAs) can produce small peptides, which are often regarded as the break-down products of longer proteins and long conceived as the derivatives of coding RNAs. This ground-breaking discovery challenges the established understanding of producing peptides with coding RNAs and encourages the restudy of IncRNA classification and function.

The research team also led the identification and bioinformatics analysis of IncRNAs; they revealed that small peptides might carry relevant biological functions such as regulating organismal development and stress resistances. It has been reported that some small peptides, as the important signalling molecules, could regulate both biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. The findings may open a new research path for future drug and crop improvement.

Further reading:
Lin, X., Lin, W., Ku, Y. S., Wong, F. L., Li, M. W., Lam, H. M., ... & Chan, T. F. (2020). Analysis of Soybean Long Non-coding RNAs Reveals a Subset of Small Peptide-Coding Transcripts. Plant Physiology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.19.01324

University Press Release

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Table of Contents
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EVENTS
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Undergraduate and Postgraduate Graduation Ceremonies
Walk-in Consultation by Science Student Academic Advisors & CV Clinic
Science Alumni Sharing: Steps to become a Science Teacher
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FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS
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Highly Cited Researchers 2019
Newly Elected Member of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences
Developing Novel Quantum Sensing Techniques to Measure Pressure-driven Superconductivity with Nano-diamonds
Croucher Senior Research Fellowship 2020
Raising Public’s Awareness of Rare Diseases
Revealing Underestimated Carbon Stores in Tidal Wetlands
Redefining Coding and Non-Coding RNAs
Faculty Exemplary Teaching Award 2019
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STUDENT AND ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS
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International Science Experience Week 2019 at the United Arab Emirates University
Devising a Rapid Test for a Banana Disease and Wins Gold Award in iGEM Competition 2019
Physics Alumnus Shares Workplace Tips
Outstanding Alumni Service Award – Career Development
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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