MicroRNAs: target recognition and regulatory functions

Cell. 2009 Jan 23;136(2):215-33. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.01.002.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous approximately 23 nt RNAs that play important gene-regulatory roles in animals and plants by pairing to the mRNAs of protein-coding genes to direct their posttranscriptional repression. This review outlines the current understanding of miRNA target recognition in animals and discusses the widespread impact of miRNAs on both the expression and evolution of protein-coding genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • MicroRNAs