MicroRNA functions in insects
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Updated: May 17, 2026

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Published on: May 1, 2021
1School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. s.asgari@uq.edu.au
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are generated in all eukaryotes and viruses. Their role as master regulators of gene expression in various biological processes has only been fully appreciated over the last decade. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in the expression of miRNAs may lead to disorders, including developmental defects, diseases and cancer. Here, I review what is currently known about miRNA functions in insects to provide an insight into their diverse roles in insect biology.
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