Abstract:

Abstract: With the achievement of many model organism genome sequencing project and accumulation of a large number of sequences, genome functional annotation，especially for conserved non-coding sequences(CNSs), has become a great challenge confronted to us. Conserved non-coding sequences may regulate gene expression via a direct or indirect interaction of transcription factors or specific proteins. CNSs, known as a phylogenetic foot-printing, have been extensively studied and concerned. Consequently, CNSs would become a next and new hotspot of genome researches. The overview, main features and research strategies of conserved non-coding sequences was summarized based on the process of knowing CNSs. The molecular mechanism of the formation and function of CNSs were described in detail. Finally, the theoretical and applied roles of CNSs in biological researches were further prospected.