RFAM, short for "RNA Family Database," refers to a comprehensive collection of RNA families available for researchers and scientists. As a database, RFAM stores and maintains multiple sequence alignments, secondary structure models, and covariance models for a wide range of non-coding RNA families found across different organisms. RFAM is specifically designed to annotate, classify, and provide insights into the structure, function, and evolution of RNA molecules.
With an emphasis on non-coding RNAs, RFAM encompasses a diverse range of RNA families, including riboswitches, microRNAs, snoRNAs, and many others. By assigning each RNA sequence to its respective family, RFAM enables researchers to elucidate the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms associated with these important biomolecules.
RFAM incorporates a combination of manual curation and computational approaches to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its data. Each entry in RFAM undergoes rigorous review and annotation by experts in the field to provide the most up-to-date and reliable information. This curated collection of RNA families, along with their respective alignments and models, provides essential resources for studying RNA biology, understanding gene regulation, and deciphering interactions within complex cellular networks.
In summary, RFAM is an invaluable tool for researchers offering a comprehensive collection of non-coding RNA families, providing essential information for investigating the structure, function, and evolution of RNA molecules.
