An overview of microRNAs

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2015 Jun 29:87:3-14. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.05.001. Epub 2015 May 12.

Abstract

The discovery of the first microRNA (miRNA) over 20 years ago has ushered in a new era in molecular biology. There are now over 2000 miRNAs that have been discovered in humans and it is believed that they collectively regulate one third of the genes in the genome. miRNAs have been linked to many human diseases and are being pursued as clinical diagnostics and as therapeutic targets. This review presents an overview of the miRNA pathway, including biogenesis routes, biological roles, and clinical approaches.

Keywords: Argonaute; Dicer; Drosha; MicroRNA; RNAi; miRNA.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Diseases / genetics
  • Metabolic Diseases / therapy
  • MicroRNAs* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs* / biosynthesis
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / administration & dosage
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / therapeutic use
  • RNA Interference
  • Ribonuclease III / genetics
  • Ribonuclease III / metabolism

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense
  • Ribonuclease III