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Dartmouth researchers find the root of the evolutionary emergence of vertebrates

Researchers at Dartmouth College have discovered that microRNAs played a crucial role in the emergence of vertebrates, with diverse regulatory mechanisms driving genome assembly. The study's findings suggest that these tiny molecules were responsible for the origin of unique organs such as the liver, pancreas, and brain.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2008

MIT reports new twist in microRNA biology

Researchers identified two microRNA pairs in fruit fly and eight more in mouse where both DNA strands encode RNA products, which fold into hairpins that are processed into mature microRNAs. This discovery builds on earlier findings about microRNA regulation using computational tools to investigate genomes of multiple species.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 11, 2008

Making sense of antisense microRNAs

Research reveals antisense transcription of the Hox miRNA locus generates a novel miRNA precursor, mir-iab-8, which represses Hox gene targets, resulting in homeotic phenotypes. Additional antisense miRNAs identified in Drosophila and mammals may contribute to diversification of miRNA function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 31, 2007

Silencing small but mighty cancer inhibitors

A research team has discovered that the Myc protein can suppress the production of at least 13 microRNAs in cancer cells. Reintroducing these repressed miRNAs into Myc-containing cancer cells suppressed tumor growth in mice, suggesting a potential gene therapy approach for certain cancers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 10, 2007

Blind mice shed light on human sight loss

A study published in Genome Biology uncovers a link between microRNA expression and retinal degeneration, potentially leading to new therapies for incurable forms of sight loss. Researchers used mutant mice that model the human eye disease retinitis pigmentosa, finding altered microRNA expression patterns.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 21, 2007

MicroRNA conflict resolution

Researchers developed a cell-free system to investigate microRNA function, providing unprecedented insight into how miRNAs repress translation. The study resolves the current conflict over miRNA action by showing that miRNAs recruit complexes containing Ago2 and GW182 proteins.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 31, 2007

Small molecules may explain psoriasis

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that microRNA molecules, specifically miR-203, are significantly upregulated in psoriasis and may be involved in regulating keratinocytes. This study suggests that microRNA therapies could become more effective than traditional medicines targeting individual proteins.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2007

UF scientists identify cancer virus' genetic targets

University of Florida researchers have identified specific human genes targeted by the Kaposi's sarcoma virus, which is believed to cause rare forms of cancer. The virus uses microRNAs to silence genes that suppress tumor cells and blood vessel growth, resulting in the characteristic red spots on patients' skin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 10, 2007

Unicellular microRNA discovery

The discovery of microRNAs in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii expands our understanding of small RNA regulation and challenges existing dogma. The researchers found functional characteristics between plant and animal miRNAs, suggesting a potential role in regulating sexual reproduction.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 29, 2007

Killing the messenger RNA -- But which one?

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that microRNAs can undergo molecular editing, redirecting them to target and silence entirely different sets of genes. This process has significant physiological consequences, such as altering the production of essential enzymes involved in synthesizing uric acid.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2007

Master switches found for adult blood stem cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a core set of 33 microRNAs that regulate adult blood-forming stem cells. These 'master switches' can be targeted to control when stem cells grow into new blood cells, offering potential for new treatments for cancer and bone marrow disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2007

Renegade RNA -- Clues to cancer and normal growth

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a tiny piece of genetic code, miR-29b, that moves far away from the cell's protein-making machinery. This finding reveals that microRNAs contain hidden elements that control their behavior in cells, opening up new possibilities for gene regulation and cancer research.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 4, 2007

Peering into the shadow world of RNA

Research suggests that non-coding RNA forms interact with each other and genes to manage the genome, influencing processes like embryonic development and cancer formation. The discovery of RNA editing mechanisms, such as ADAR and microRNAs, reveals a subtle level of genome control.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology·DateDec 4, 2006

New biomarkers for lupus found

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified micro-ribonucleic acids (micro-RNAs) as potential biomarkers for lupus. The study found significant differences in micro-RNA expression between lupus patients and healthy controls, with certain micro-RNAs linked to histone deacetylases and the development of lupus.

MicroRNA processing and cancer

Drosha activity plays a fundamental regulatory step in microRNA processing. Blocking this enzyme can suppress miRNA production in cancer cells. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for treating cancer by understanding the molecular events of carcinogenesis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 31, 2006