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Infected for life

A research team led by Professor Nigel W. Fraser discovered that herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) produces an miRNA molecule encoded by the LAT gene. This miRNA works through RNA interference to prevent normal cell death, maintaining latent infection for life. The study offers a new target for treatment against latent infections.

Single microRNA causes cancer in transgenic mouse

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that overexpression of microRNA miR155 leads to the development of a neoplastic disease in transgenic mice. The researchers believe that miR155 acts as an oncogene, promoting abnormal cell growth and cancerous transformations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2006

MiRNA fingerprint identified in platelet formation

A study by Ohio State University researchers discovered a set of 17 miRNAs turned off during normal megakaryocyte differentiation, creating a molecular signature for healthy platelets. In contrast, 10 miRNAs were found to be turned on in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia cells, suggesting a potential target for new therapies.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2006

microRNA-mediated metabolism

miR-278 plays a crucial role in regulating insulin sensitivity in flies, with reduced insulin sensitivity and elevated blood glucose levels observed in flies lacking this microRNA. The study highlights the importance of microRNAs in metabolic regulation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 14, 2006

Role of microRNA identified in thyroid cancer

Researchers have identified 23 microRNAs that are significantly altered in the cancerous tissue compared to normal samples, with three miRs dramatically overexpressed and forming a signature that predicts the presence of malignant tissue. The study provides evidence for the regulatory role of microRNA in thyroid cancer development.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2005

MicroRNA may have fail-safe role in limb development

Researchers have identified a specific microRNA - miR 196 - playing a protective role in hindlimb development, but not forelimb development, suggesting a fail-safe mechanism to regulate gene expression. This finding may be useful in understanding birth defects and has implications for the regulation of protein expression in limbs.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2005

Role of microRNA identified in breast cancer

A study from Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a set of microRNAs that can distinguish between normal and cancerous breast tissue. The findings suggest that microRNA expression is correlated with breast cancer's hormone status, metastatic potential, and proliferative rate.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 15, 2005

Micro RNAs play role in egg making

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs are involved in the process of oogenesis, a complex regulatory mechanism controlling protein abundance. The findings suggest that miRNA dysfunction may contribute to certain forms of infertility.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2005

Micro-molecule plays big role in birth defects

Scientists with the UF Genetics Institute found that eliminating microRNAs from specific tissues can reveal their vital role in healthy development. The technique may provide insight into human birth defects and has potential applications in studying the function and malfunction of microRNAs, a crucial part of human gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2005

Size doesn't matter

Researchers found that over half of the 46 known microRNAs are essential for development, affecting it in specific ways. MicroRNAs regulate fundamental processes such as body patterning, morphogenesis, and nervous system development.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJul 1, 2005

MicroRNAs play a big part in gene regulation - and evolution

Researchers discovered extensive microRNA target gene predictions, assigning a biological function to 70% of all microRNAs. The findings provide insights into the importance and function of microRNAs across huge evolutionary time scales, shedding light on their role in shaping life's diversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 23, 2005

Are microRNAs oncogenes?

Researchers discovered distinctive patterns of microRNA activity in cancer cells that can be used to diagnose cancers and distinguish normal cells from those that are cancerous. The study also found that specific microRNAs can cause lymphomas in mice and cooperate with genes already known to cause human cancers.

miRNA profiling

The miRNA profiling technique is widely used in cancer research to identify and quantify microRNAs in tumor tissues. Researchers have found that specific miRNA patterns are associated with different types of cancers, leading to potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 31, 2005

MicroRNA study points to novel path for treating diabetes

A team of researchers has discovered that microRNA miR-375 regulates insulin secretion, opening up new avenues for understanding and treating diabetes. The study's findings define a biological function for a mammalian microRNA gene and highlight the importance of collaboration between computation and experiment in modern biology.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 2004

Asymmetric organs and microRNA-directed DNA modification

In Arabidopsis leaves, specific mutations affect leaf patterning by altering microRNA binding sites. MicroRNAs interact with nascent mRNA to alter chromatin states, leading to reduced methylation of PHB and PHV genes. This study demonstrates the role of microRNA-directed DNA modification in regulating plant development.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 8, 2004

RNA could form building blocks for nanomachines

A research team from Purdue University has successfully created RNA-based nanoscale structures, which could be used as building blocks for microscopic machines. The researchers have developed methods to self-assemble RNA molecules into complex shapes, such as arrays that can form the scaffolding on which other components could be mounted.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 11, 2004

Jefferson researchers develop microchip to track genetic signature of cancer and normal tissue

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a microarray chip that can track the genetic signature of cancer and normal tissue by analyzing miRNA gene expression patterns. This technology has the potential to provide new targets for drug development and improve our understanding of cancer phenotypes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2004

Exploring small RNA function

Researchers develop system to study small RNAs using siRNA inhibitors, providing unprecedented insight into RNA interference and microRNA functions. The technique enables rapid discovery of hundreds of microRNAs' regulatory roles, with significant implications for genetic studies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 24, 2004

MicroRNA targets: How big is the iceberg?

Researchers have used a bioinformatics approach to identify additional microRNA targets in fruit fly Drosophila, increasing the number of known targets from three to over 60. The study provides an important step towards understanding how microRNAs affect protein composition in animal cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003

MicroRNAs - Tiny molecules shape up plants

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs play a crucial role in controlling plant growth and development by regulating cell division and leaf shape. The study found that a specific microRNA called "Jaw" targets messenger RNAs involved in preventing excessive cell division, leading to abnormal leaf shapes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2003

MicroRNAs in plants

Dr. David Bartel and colleagues have identified 16 novel miRNAs in Arabidopsis that regulate gene expression during development. The researchers demonstrate a plant homologue of the Dicer enzyme, CARPEL FACTORY (CAF), which processes plant miRNAs with sequence and structural similarities to animal miRNAs.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 30, 2002