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Updated: May 26, 2026
14:15
Highly Efficient Ligation of Small RNA Molecules for MicroRNA Quantitation by High-Throughput Sequencing
Published on: November 18, 2014
microRNAs: a safeguard against turmoil?
Anthony K L Leung1, Phillip A Sharp
1Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Cell
|August 28, 2007
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in stress responses, sometimes activating gene expression instead of suppressing it. This unexpected role may involve altered interactions with RNA-binding proteins during cellular stress.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are typically known for their role in regulating gene expression during development.
- Emerging evidence indicates miRNAs are also involved in cellular stress responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miRNAs in stress responses.
- To explore the mechanisms by which miRNAs might alter gene expression during stress.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA expression patterns under stress conditions.
- Investigating interactions between miRNA/Argonaute complexes and RNA-binding proteins.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs demonstrate a role in various stress responses.
- Contrary to their usual function, miRNAs can activate gene expression during stress.
- Relocation of RNA-binding proteins and altered miRNA/Argonaute complex interactions are observed.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are key regulators in cellular stress.
- The function of miRNAs can shift from repression to activation under stress.
- Dynamic interactions with RNA-binding proteins contribute to altered miRNA function during stress.
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