The microRNA-17-92 cluster: still a miRacle?
MicroRNAs (miRs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs, leading to translational repression or degradation. The polycistronic microRNA cluster comprises seven mature micro-RNAs (miR-17-5p and -3p, miR-18a, miR-19a and b, miR-20a and miR-92a) and has initially been linked to tumorigenesis. Meanwhile, additional functions have been assigned to the cluster such as the regulation of hematopoiesis and immune functions. Recently, loss-off-function studies revealed a critically role of the miR-17-92 cluster in heart and lung development and the individual miRNAs encoded by the cluster such as miR-17 and miR-92a were shown to control lung development and postnatal neovascularization, respectively. The present article summarizes the functions of the miR-17-92 cluster in health and disease and discusses the specific contribution and the targets of the individual miRNAs encoded by the cluster.
Bonauer
Angelika
A
Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Dimmeler
Stefanie
S
D006321:Heart / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000254:growth & development; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005810:Multigene Family; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects
C524941:MIRN17 microRNA, human; D035683:MicroRNAs