MicroRNA Functions in Stress Responses

Overview

Journal Mol Cell

Publisher Cell Press

Specialty Cell Biology

Date 2010 Oct 23

PMID 20965416

Citations 432

Authors

Anthony K L Leung

Phillip A Sharp

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of ∼22 nucleotide short noncoding RNAs that play key roles in fundamental cellular processes, including how cells respond to changes in environment or, broadly defined, stresses. Responding to stresses, cells either choose to restore or reprogram their gene expression patterns. This decision is partly mediated by miRNA functions, in particular by modulating the amount of miRNAs, the amount of mRNA targets, or the activity/mode of action of miRNA-protein complexes. In turn, these changes determine the specificity, timing, and concentration of gene products expressed upon stresses. Dysregulation of these processes contributes to chronic diseases, including cancers.

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