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MicroRNAs: fundamental facts and involvement in human diseases

Gianpiero Di Leva1, George A Calin, Carlo M Croce

  • 1Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, 43210, USA.

Birth Defects Research. Part C, Embryo Today : Reviews
|July 19, 2006
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs crucial for eukaryotic cells. This review covers miRNA discovery, functions in animal development, and their role in diseases like cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules (18-22 nucleotides) found in various organisms.
  • They originate from longer precursors (pri-miRNAs) processed into hairpin structures (pre-miRNAs) by Drosha.
  • While many miRNA functions remain unknown, some are vital for eukaryotic cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the discovery and biological functions of miRNAs.
  • To highlight the importance of miRNAs in animal development, including proliferation, apoptosis, and cell differentiation.
  • To discuss the implications of miRNA deregulation in human diseases and cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of miRNA discovery and function.
  • Analysis of published data on miRNA roles in development.
  • Examination of studies linking miRNA dysregulation to human diseases and tumorigenesis.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs play essential roles in fundamental biological processes.
  • Specific miRNAs are critical for proliferation, apoptosis, and cell differentiation in animals.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is implicated in the development of various human diseases, particularly cancer.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are key regulators of gene expression with significant roles in development.
  • Understanding miRNA biology is crucial for deciphering disease mechanisms.
  • miRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets for diseases, including cancer.

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