Welcome to the RNA centre

We are a research group at the Guangzhou National Laboratory. We are a research group at the Guangzhou Laboratory. If you are interested in working with us, please see more information on (Vacancies).

Miao lab

RNA centre (Miao lab) is a computational biology laboratory, which focuses on the research of RNA structure, function ( RNA structural informatics ) and single-cell omics sequencing. We develop new computaitonal approaches (algorithms, databases, integrated computational workflows) to understand the RNA function at regulation level and structure level.

RNA structural informatics:

Our lab seeks an agile and predictive understanding of how RNAs code for information processing and replication in living systems. We are creating new computational and chemical tools to enable the precise modeling and design of these RNAs.

single-cell omics:

We have a longstanding interest in understanding global principles of gene regulation and protein-RNA interactions. We use state-of-the-art genomics approaches, including multi-modal single cell genomics and spatial genomics in combination with machine learning methods to advance our knowledge of cells and tissues.

We are looking for passionate Associate Investigators, Postdocs, Assistant Investigators and Research Assistants to join the team (more info) !

We are grateful for funding from Guangzhou Laboratory (Gzlab), MOST and NSFC .

News

13. Aug 2025

Yunmei Wang is joining the lab as an Associate Investigator.

8. Aug 2025

We published a paper in Proteins Enhancing RNA 3D Structure Prediction: A Hybrid Approach Combining Expert Knowledge and Computational Tools in CASP16. Our RNA structure prediction team (GuangzhouRNA-human) participated in the CASP16 structure prediction competition and won second place. This article provides a detailed description of GuangzhouRNA-human’s prediction method, summarizes its performance in CASP16, and discusses insights into RNA structure prediction gained from CASP16.

5. Aug 2025

Xiao Jia is joining the lab as a Postdoc.

9. Jul 2025

Songlin Wu is joining the lab as a Postdoc.

3. Jul 2025

We published a paper in PANS The transcription factor Bcl11a is essential for B-1a cell maintenance during aging. This study identify Bcl11a as a critical regulator of B-1a cell survival in aging mouse. Bcl11a sustains viability by suppressing apoptosis and promoting antiapoptotic genes that counter age-associated genomic instability. IL-5, a key B-1a cytokine, drives Bcl11a via a p53-dependent pathway, linking cytokine signaling to survival. Bcl11a thus emerges as a guardian of innate immune resilience, revealing sex-specific mechanisms underlying immune aging.

9. Jun 2025

Yiting Fang will join the lab as a Master student.

9. Jun 2025

Yijun Chen will join the lab as a Master student.

16. May 2025

Bohan Wang is joining the lab as a Research Assistant.

18. Mar 2025

We published a paper in Angewandte Chemie From Theophylline to Adenine or preQ1: Repurposing a DNA Aptamer Revealed by Crystal Structure Analysis. This study elucidated the DNA theophylline aptamer’s ligand-binding mechanism through high-resolution crystal structures of its complexes with theophylline, 3-methylxanthine, and hypoxanthine, and provided a relatively simple and effective method for developing new aptamers.

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