MicroRNAs as oncogenes

SM Hammond - Current opinion in genetics & development, 2006 - Elsevier
SM Hammond
Current opinion in genetics & development, 2006Elsevier
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that function as endogenous triggers
of the RNA interference pathway. Originally discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans, this
group of tiny RNAs has moved to the forefront of biology. With over 300 miRNA genes
identified in the human genome, and a plethora of predicted mRNA targets, it is believed that
these small RNAs have a central role in diverse cellular and developmental processes.
Concordant with this, aberrant expression of miRNA genes could lead to human disease …
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that function as endogenous triggers of the RNA interference pathway. Originally discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans, this group of tiny RNAs has moved to the forefront of biology. With over 300 miRNA genes identified in the human genome, and a plethora of predicted mRNA targets, it is believed that these small RNAs have a central role in diverse cellular and developmental processes. Concordant with this, aberrant expression of miRNA genes could lead to human disease, including cancer. Although the connection of miRNAs with cancer has been suspected for several years, four recent studies have confirmed the suspicion that miRNAs regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis, and play a role in cancer.
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