[Progress of miRNA and its functions in eukaryotes].
Two major kinds of non-coding RNAs play important roles in eukaryotes. One is microRNA (miRNA), the other is small interference RNA (siRNA). miRNA, 19-25 nt in length, functions in regulation of gene expression and development. Many kinds of miRNAs and some proteins assemble in a complex, miRNP, where miRNA gives its function, siRNA directs the target mRNA in RNA interference (RNAi). Some distinct differences are existed between miRNA and siRNA. The regulation mechanism of miRNA may be conserved in eukaryotes.
Ma
Zhong-Liang
ZL
Department of Molecular Virlogogy, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China. mazhongl@yahoo.com
Yang
Huai-Yi
HY
Tien
Po
P
D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000502:physiology*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000502:physiology; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins / Q000378:metabolism
D035683:MicroRNAs; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins