title: MicroRNAs: history, biogenesis, and their evolving role in animal development and disease.
abstract: The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in 1993 followed by developments and discoveries in small RNA biology have redefined the biological landscape by significantly altering the longstanding dogmas that defined gene regulation. These small RNAs play a significant role in modulation of an array of physiological and pathological processes ranging from embryonic development to neoplastic progression. Unique miRNA signatures of various inherited, metabolic, infectious, and neoplastic diseases have added a new dimension to the studies that look at their pathogenesis and highlight their potential to be reliable biomarkers. Also, altering miRNA functionality and the development of novel in vivo delivery systems to achieve targeted modulation of specific miRNA function are being actively pursued as novel approaches for therapeutic intervention in many diseases. Here we review the current body of knowledge on the role of miRNAs in development and disease and discuss future implications.
authors.affiliation: Infectious Disease Aerobiology, Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA mbhaska@tulane.edu.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bhaskaran
authors.affiliation: Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohan
mesh_terms: D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D048788:Growth and Development / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000266:history* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D035683:MicroRNAs
keywords: animal microRNA; apoptomiR; biomarkers; circulating miRNA; miR; oncomiR
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