microRNAs(miRNAs)are identified as a class of non-protein regulators and a new source for broad control of gene expression in eukaryotes.The past years have witnessed substantial progress in understanding miRNA functi...microRNAs(miRNAs)are identified as a class of non-protein regulators and a new source for broad control of gene expression in eukaryotes.The past years have witnessed substantial progress in understanding miRNA functions and mechanisms,although a few controversies remain.Various hypotheses and models have been suggested for the mechanisms of miRNA repression,including translational inhibition at the level of initiation or elongation,rapid degradation of the nascent peptide,mRNA degradation,and mRNA sequestration into P bodies(processing bodies)and SGs(stress granules)for degradation or/and storage.Recently,some noncanonical miRNA regulation,such as miRNA activation and de-repression of miRNA inhibition,have been uncovered.This review discusses some recent advances about how miRNAs regulate their targets and various modes of miRNA function.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2005 CB 724603)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.30770474)
文摘microRNAs(miRNAs)are identified as a class of non-protein regulators and a new source for broad control of gene expression in eukaryotes.The past years have witnessed substantial progress in understanding miRNA functions and mechanisms,although a few controversies remain.Various hypotheses and models have been suggested for the mechanisms of miRNA repression,including translational inhibition at the level of initiation or elongation,rapid degradation of the nascent peptide,mRNA degradation,and mRNA sequestration into P bodies(processing bodies)and SGs(stress granules)for degradation or/and storage.Recently,some noncanonical miRNA regulation,such as miRNA activation and de-repression of miRNA inhibition,have been uncovered.This review discusses some recent advances about how miRNAs regulate their targets and various modes of miRNA function.
