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MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism
Published on: February 6, 2017
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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.
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|August 16, 2018
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs regulating biological processes and implicated in diseases like cancer. This review explores mechanisms controlling miRNA function, stability, and interactions, highlighting key research questions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules crucial for regulating gene expression in animals.
- Dysregulation of miRNA networks is linked to various human diseases, especially cancer.
- Recent research has uncovered complex mechanisms governing miRNA function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse mechanisms that modulate microRNA activity, stability, and localization.
- To discuss how alternative processing, sequence editing, and protein modifications impact miRNA function.
- To highlight unresolved questions in microRNA research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent discoveries in microRNA biology.
- Analysis of mechanisms controlling miRNA processing and maturation.
- Examination of Argonaute protein modifications and miRNA-target interactions.
Main Results:
- MiRNA function is modulated through alternative processing, sequence editing, and Argonaute protein modifications.
- Viral factors and cytoplasmic transport also influence miRNA activity.
- Regulation of miRNA-target interactions is a key control point.
Conclusions:
- Understanding miRNA regulatory mechanisms is vital for deciphering their role in health and disease.
- Further research is needed to address complex questions regarding miRNA control and function.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and future research directions.
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