MicroRNAs: biogenesis, function and applications

Curr Opin Mol Ther. 2009 Apr;11(2):189-99.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to the group of non-coding, small RNAs (19 to 21 nucleotide-long oligonucleotides) that are endogenously produced from their own genes. miRNAs interfere with or affect the transcription or translation of other genes, resulting in gene silencing or activation by a process known as RNAi or RNA activation, respectively. The discovery of miRNAs and related small RNAs within the last 10 years has opened up a new field in biology, called RNomics, which investigates differences in RNA populations and offers great potential in correcting the regulation of abnormally expressed and disease-causing genes, as well as in the development of novel therapeutic agents. This review focuses on the developments in miRNAs and their potential therapeutic applications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • MicroRNAs / therapeutic use
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Small Interfering