MicroRNAs and Their Targets: Recognition, Regulation and an Emerging Reciprocal Relationship

Overview

Journal Nat Rev Genet

Specialty Genetics

Date 2012 Mar 14

PMID 22411466

Citations 825

Authors

Amy E Pasquinelli

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key gene regulators in diverse biological pathways. These small non-coding RNAs bind to target sequences in mRNAs, typically resulting in repressed gene expression. Several methods are now available for identifying miRNA target sites, but the mere presence of an miRNA-binding site is insufficient for predicting target regulation. Regulation of targets by miRNAs is subject to various levels of control, and recent developments have presented a new twist; targets can reciprocally control the level and function of miRNAs. This mutual regulation of miRNAs and target genes is challenging our understanding of the gene-regulatory role of miRNAs in vivo and has important implications for the use of these RNAs in therapeutic settings.

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