Overview of microRNA biology

Semin Liver Dis. 2015 Feb;35(1):3-11. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1397344. Epub 2015 Jan 29.

Abstract

In considering an overview of microRNA biology, it is useful to consider microRNAs as a part of cellular communication. At the simplest level, microRNAs act to decrease the expression of messenger RNAs that contain stretches of sequence complementary to the microRNA. This function can be likened to the function of endogenous or synthetic short interfering RNA. However, microRNA function is more complicated and nuanced than this "on-off" model would suggest. Further, many microRNA targets are themselves noncoding RNAs. In this review, the authors discuss the role of microRNAs in shaping the proteome of the cell in a way that is consistent with microRNA involvement in a highly regulated conversation, sensitive to outside influence and internal feedback.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Genetic Markers*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / physiology
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional*
  • Ribonucleoproteins*

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • MicroRNAs
  • Ribonucleoproteins