MicroRNAs: a developing story.
Considering the intense genetic efforts applied to understanding development, it is surprising that a relatively large class of regulatory genes has newly surfaced. The first microRNA gene and its developmental role were described more than ten years ago, but only recently have we fully appreciated the broad and abundant presence of such genes. MicroRNAs are approximately 22 nucleotide RNAs that use antisense complementarity to inhibit expression of specific mRNAs. Recent studies of restricted expression patterns and functional roles have implicated specific microRNAs in complex genetic pathways regulating embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, neuronal differentiation and Hox-mediated development.
Pasquinelli
Amy E
AE
Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biology 0349, Bonner Hall Rm. 4118, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0349, USA. apasquin@ucsd.edu
Hunter
Shaun
S
Bracht
John
J
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000235:genetics; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D009474:Neurons; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D035683:MicroRNAs; D012333:RNA, Messenger