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).
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 .
21. Oct 2025
We published a paper in Nucleic acids research Ribocentre-aptamer: an integrative, structure-focused database for RNA aptamers. We have launched the Ribocentre-aptamer database to capture the molecular mechanisms of RNA aptamer binding. Our resource systematically curates 191 aptamer types from 669 publications, integrates 510 sequences, 123 small molecule ligands, and 344 protein ligands, and provides experimentally resolved secondary and tertiary structures, ligand binding pockets, affinity metrics, and functional annotations.
15. Oct 2025
Mengchang Xu is joining the lab as a Research Assistant.
3. Oct 2025
We published a paper in Proteins The RNA-Puzzles Assessments of RNA-Only Targets in CASP16. We applied the automated evaluation system accumulated by the RNA-Puzzles community since 2011 to the RNA competition in CASP16 (2024). We systematically compared the consistency between predicted and measured three-dimensional structures, looking not only at global indicators (RMSD, TM-score, GDT, lDDT) but also at key details such as stereochemistry, Watson-Crick/non-Watson-Crick pairing, and base stacking. This revealed that large-size/multimeric RNA and atypical base pairing remain weak points in current methods.
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.
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