Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
10:40
CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis
Published on: April 25, 2022
MicroRNAs and genomic variations: from Proteus tricks to Prometheus gift
Muller Fabbri1, Nicola Valeri, George A Calin
1Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, 43210, USA.
Carcinogenesis
|March 19, 2009
Summary
Genomic variations in microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets can alter gene expression, contributing to cancer development. This review explores these variations and their clinical implications in cancer predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is common in human cancers, affecting target gene levels.
- Genomic variations may underlie abnormal miRNA expression and function in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on genomic variations in miRNA genes and target genes.
- To discuss the clinical implications of these variations in cancer.
- To explore the role of sequence variations in miRNA-mediated cancer predisposition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating variations in miRNA genes.
- Literature review of studies investigating variations in miRNA target sites.
- Discussion of clinical implications and cancer predisposition.
Main Results:
- Genomic variations can affect miRNA biogenesis and target binding.
- Variations in miRNA genes and target sites are linked to altered gene expression in cancer.
- These variations have potential clinical implications for cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- Sequence variations in miRNAs and their target sites are implicated in cancer predisposition.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for cancer research and potential therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of genomic variations in miRNA function and cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Proteomics
A proteome is the entire set of proteins that a cell type produces. We can study proteomes using the knowledge of genomes because genes code for mRNAs, and the mRNAs encode proteins. Although mRNA analysis is a step in the right direction, not all mRNAs are translated into proteins.
Proteomics is the study of proteomes' function. It involves the large-scale systematic study of the proteome to denote the protein complement expressed by a genome. Scientist Mark Wilkins coined the term proteomics...
Proteomics is the study of proteomes' function. It involves the large-scale systematic study of the proteome to denote the protein complement expressed by a genome. Scientist Mark Wilkins coined the term proteomics...
02:57piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs
PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...
01:08Evolution of Microbial Genome
Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.
03:21Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes
While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.