Abstract
The notion that protein-coding genes are the only biologically significant moieties in the genome is revolutionarized by the discovery of non-coding RNAs. Among them is a group of small non-coding RNAs termed microRNAs (miRNAs) that has recently been brought to the limelight. Their presence in the genome was only realized after the identification of their founders lin-4 and let-7 in C. elegans through genetic screens. To date, several hundreds of microRNAs have been identified. They are single-stranded RNA molecules of ∼21-22 nucleotides long, excised from precursors of ∼70 nucleotides predicted in silico to from imperfect stem-loop structures. Many of these miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved, implicating important biological functions. Emerging data points to an important role of these tiny RNA molecules in regulating gene expression of target RNAs by at least two post-transcriptional mechanisms: binding to imperfect complementary sequence of the 3 untranslated region (3UTR) and repressing translation; and endonucleolytic cleavage by a double-stranded RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) mechanism through base-pairing with perfect or near-perfect complementary sequence. Studies in several miRNAs in plants and animals illustrate that these small riboregulators can play critical roles in developmental timing and spatial control of cell fate decisions, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell differentiation and cell metabolism. Developmental defects and tumorigenesis can be a consequence of abnormal expression of miRNAs. This review discusses the biological functions, mechanisms of action, biogenesis and regulation of miRNAs, as well as identification of their target genes, highlighting the potential diversity of this novel class of gene regulators.
Keywords: microrna, gene regulation, untranslated region, translation
Current Genomics
Title: MicroRNAs: Tiny but Not Trivial
Volume: 5 Issue: 3
Author(s): Wayne Tam
Affiliation:
Keywords: microrna, gene regulation, untranslated region, translation
Abstract: The notion that protein-coding genes are the only biologically significant moieties in the genome is revolutionarized by the discovery of non-coding RNAs. Among them is a group of small non-coding RNAs termed microRNAs (miRNAs) that has recently been brought to the limelight. Their presence in the genome was only realized after the identification of their founders lin-4 and let-7 in C. elegans through genetic screens. To date, several hundreds of microRNAs have been identified. They are single-stranded RNA molecules of ∼21-22 nucleotides long, excised from precursors of ∼70 nucleotides predicted in silico to from imperfect stem-loop structures. Many of these miRNAs are evolutionarily conserved, implicating important biological functions. Emerging data points to an important role of these tiny RNA molecules in regulating gene expression of target RNAs by at least two post-transcriptional mechanisms: binding to imperfect complementary sequence of the 3 untranslated region (3UTR) and repressing translation; and endonucleolytic cleavage by a double-stranded RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) mechanism through base-pairing with perfect or near-perfect complementary sequence. Studies in several miRNAs in plants and animals illustrate that these small riboregulators can play critical roles in developmental timing and spatial control of cell fate decisions, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell differentiation and cell metabolism. Developmental defects and tumorigenesis can be a consequence of abnormal expression of miRNAs. This review discusses the biological functions, mechanisms of action, biogenesis and regulation of miRNAs, as well as identification of their target genes, highlighting the potential diversity of this novel class of gene regulators.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Tam Wayne, MicroRNAs: Tiny but Not Trivial, Current Genomics 2004; 5 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389202043349435
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389202043349435 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced Computational Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Pharmacogenomics
In the era of personalized medicine, understanding the relationship between genetics and drug response is crucial. This issue delves into innovative methodologies, leveraging deep computational analysis and artificial intelligence, to enhance the field of Clinical Pharmacogenomics. The interdisciplinary approach harnesses the power of advanced high-throughput genotyping technologies, sophisticated computational analysis, ...read more
Applications of Single-cell Sequencing Technology in Reproductive Medicine
Single cell sequencing (SCS) technology utilizes individual cells' genetic material to sequence their genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics at the molecular level. It offers insights into cell heterogeneity and enables the study of limited biological materials. Since its recognition as a valuable technique in 2011, single cell sequencing has yielded numerous ...read more
Big Data in Cancer Research
Cancer is a significant threat to human life and health, remaining a highly aggressive killer. It is a leading cause of death worldwide and represents a crucial medical issue for humanity. However, in the past decade, the effectiveness of new synthetic anticancer agents has not matched the current clinical speculation. ...read more
Current Genomics in Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, in recent years we have had important advances in the interaction between cardiovascular disease and genomics. In this Research Topic, we intend for researchers to present their results with a focus on basic, translational and clinical investigations associated with ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Premature Ageing Prevention: Limitations and Perspectives of Pharmacological Interventions
Current Drug Targets Heme Oxygenase-1 in Tumor Biology and Therapy
Current Drug Targets Patent Selections
Recent Patents on Anti-Infective Drug Discovery Development of Liposomes and Pseudovirions with Fusion Activity for Efficient Gene Delivery
Current Gene Therapy Clients and Oncogenic Roles of Molecular Chaperone gp96/grp94
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry The Mechanism in Gastric Cancer Chemoprevention by Allicin
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry PLK1 Inhibition: Prospective Role for the Treatment of Pediatric Tumors
Current Drug Targets Updates on Receptors Targeted by Heterocyclic Scaffolds: New Horizon in Anticancer Drug Development
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Adenovirus-based Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Episcleritis and Scleritis in Rheumatic Disease
Current Rheumatology Reviews Emerging Targets For Prostate Adenocarcinoma Therapy: How Molecular Biology May Drive Towards a More Tailored Approach
Current Drug Targets Post-Translational Modifications of PTEN and their Potential Therapeutic Implications
Current Cancer Drug Targets Clinical Applications of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging in Medicine: Oncology, Brain Diseases and Cardiology
Current Radiopharmaceuticals Implications of Nanoscale Based Drug Delivery Systems in Delivery and Targeting Tubulin Binding Agent, Noscapine in Cancer Cells
Current Drug Metabolism New Potential Pharmaceutical Applications of Hypericum Species
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry New Derivatives of GnRH as Potential Anticancer Therapeutic Agents
Current Medicinal Chemistry Microarray Technologies for Intracellular Kinome Analysis
Current Medicinal Chemistry Patents and the Development on Polymer based Nanomaterial (PAMAM Dendrimer) for Biomedical Applications
Recent Patents on Biomedical Engineering (Discontinued) Possible Pathogenic Role of the Transmembrane Isoform of CD160 NK Lymphocyte Receptor in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Current Molecular Medicine Energy Dependent Transport of Xenobiotics and Its Relevance to Multidrug Resistance
Current Cancer Drug Targets