Small RNA transcriptome investigation based on next-generation sequencing technology

Over the past decade, there has been a growing realization that studying the small RNA transcriptome is essential for understanding the complexity of transcriptional regulation. With an increased throughput and a reduced cost, next-generation sequencing technology has provided an unprecedented opportunity to measure the extent and complexity of small RNA transcriptome. Meanwhile, the large amount of obtained data and varied technology platforms have also posed multiple challenges for effective data analysis and mining. To provide some insight into the small RNA transcriptome investigation, this review describes the major small RNA classes, experimental methods to identify small RNAs, and available bioinformatics tools and databases.