A view from Drosophila: multiple biological functions for individual microRNAs.
microRNAs (miRNAs) comprise an extensive class of post-transcriptional regulatory molecules in higher eukaryotes. Intensive research in Drosophila has revealed that miRNAs control myriad developmental and physiological processes. Interestingly, several of the best-studied miRNAs impact multiple biological processes, often by regulating distinct key target genes in each setting. Here we discuss the roles of some of these pleiotropic miRNAs, and their implications for studying and interpreting the roles of miRNAs in gene regulatory networks.
Smibert
Peter
P
Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Lai
Eric C
EC
D000818:Animals; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D058685:Genetic Pleiotropy; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D035683:MicroRNAs