MicroRNAs in embryonic stem cell function and fate

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression since their discovery in the early 1990s.
• They are integral to numerous biological processes in animals, including apoptosis, cell signaling, organogenesis, and development.
• Understanding cellular regulatory states requires integrating both transcription factor (TF) and miR profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on microRNA biogenesis and regulation.
• To describe the involvement of miRs in pathways governing cell division, pluripotency, and reprogramming.
• To highlight the significance of miRs in cellular function and organismal development.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, summarizing existing research and knowledge.
• It synthesizes findings on miR biogenesis and regulatory mechanisms.
• It analyzes the role of miRs in key cellular processes.

Main Results:

• miRs provide robust and redundant control over hundreds of gene targets.
• They are common components of regulatory pathways, acting as on-off switches for fate decisions.
• miRs play crucial roles in cell division, pluripotency, and reprogramming to a pluripotent state.

Conclusions:

• MicroRNAs are fundamental to cellular and organismal function, impacting gene expression regulation.
• A comprehensive understanding of cell regulatory states necessitates the inclusion of miR profiles.
• miRs are vital in controlling cell division, maintaining pluripotency, and facilitating cellular reprogramming.