Discover
New RNAs
Developing sequencing and informatics methods to reveal previously hidden classes of structured non-coding RNAs.
Nature Biotechnology·Nature Communications·Nature Protocols·Accounts of Chemical Research
RNA Biology × Technology × Computation
RNA: The
Programmable Layer
of Life
By developing innovative experimental and computational technologies to discover new classes of RNAs and decode their regulatory logic, we aim to reveal what makes RNA life’s primary programmable molecule—and harness its programmability to understand, engineer, and ultimately reprogram living systems.
RNA PROGRAMMABILITY DISCOVER → DECODE → REPROGRAM
01 · DISCOVER NEW RNAsReveal the hidden RNA universe
02 · DECODE PRINCIPLESConnect molecules to regulation
03 · PROGRAMMABLE LAYERUnderstand, engineer, reprogram
Sun Yat-sen University · School of Life Sciences
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OUR MISSION
Illuminating RNA’s dark matter
Discover
Decode Regulatory
Principles
Revealing the regulatory principles that connect ncRNAs, RNA modifications, RNA-binding proteins and cellular function.
RNA as the
Programmable Layer
Understanding how RNA sequence, structure and chemical modification encode programmable information—and harnessing these principles to engineer living systems.
Our Discovery Engine
We unite experimental innovation with computational biology to discover new classes of RNAs, decode their regulatory logic, and reveal how RNA functions as a programmable layer of life.
Each technology captures a different molecular dimension—sequence, structure, chemical modification or interaction. Together, they transform molecular signals into testable mechanisms and new possibilities for understanding, engineering and reprogramming living systems.
Invent→Measure→Compute→Understand
RIP-PEN-seqFULL-LENGTH RNA
NAP-seqRNA DARK MATTER
Nm-REP-seqRNA MODIFICATION
kturnSeekerRNA STRUCTURE
ENCORIREGULATORY NETWORKS
rbsSeekerRBP–RNA INTERACTIONS
rriScanRNA–RNA INTERACTIONS
RMBaseEPITRANSCRIPTOME
RNADISCOVERY
ENGINE
ENGINE
SELECTED DISCOVERIES
Ideas made visible
NATURE METHODS · 2026
An Encyclopedic Regulatory and Functional Atlas of RNA Interactomes.
Zhou K, Huang J, Liu S, Zheng W, Liu S, Xing Y, Cao Y, Chen Y, Hu X, Cai L, Zhou J, Lin P, Xuan J, Xie F, Xu L, Li J, Zheng L, Qu L, Chen J, Li B, Yang J.
Nature Methods. 2026 Jun;23(6):1109–1114. Epub 2026 May 25. PMID: 42185542.
To improve detection of RBP–RNA and RNA–RNA interactions, we developed the rbsSeeker and rriScan tools and integrated the interactions into the Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI), providing web-based modules to explore RNA interactions. Using this resource, we identified and validated novel N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-associated proteins, establishing ENCORI as a framework for studying RNA interactomes.
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NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY · 2024
RIP-PEN-seq identifies a class of kink-turn RNAs as splicing regulators.
RIP-PEN-seq captures full-length protein-bound RNAs and revealed a previously uncharacterized class of backward kink-turn RNAs (bktRNAs). These RNAs connect RNA structure and methylation with the regulation of minor and local intron splicing.
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NATURE COMMUNICATIONS · 2024
NAP-seq reveals multiple classes of structured noncoding RNAs.
NAP-seq profiles full-length noncapped RNAs with diverse terminal modifications at single-nucleotide resolution. It uncovered multiple classes of structured ncRNAs and demonstrated their dynamic and regulatory roles in differentiation and cell proliferation.
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One shared question.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Curiosity is
our common language
We are experimentalists, computational biologists and RNA enthusiasts working across disciplines. We value rigorous science, open exchange and the courage to pursue questions hidden in plain sight.
Meet Yang Lab →JOIN THE EXPLORATION
The RNA universe
is still unfolding
We welcome curious researchers interested in RNA omics, RNA biology, RNA medicine and RNA informatics.
Start a conversation ↗