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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism
Published on: February 6, 2017
Regulation of microRNA function in animals
Luca F R Gebert1, Ian J MacRae2
1Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Since their serendipitous discovery in nematodes, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of biological processes in animals. These small RNAs form complex networks that regulate cell differentiation, development and homeostasis. Deregulation of miRNA function is associated with an increasing number of human diseases, particularly cancer. Recent discoveries have expanded our understanding of the control of miRNA function. Here, we review the mechanisms that modulate miRNA activity, stability and cellular localization through alternative processing and maturation, sequence editing, post-translational modifications of Argonaute proteins, viral factors, transport from the cytoplasm and regulation of miRNA-target interactions. We conclude by discussing intriguing, unresolved research questions.
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