Open AccessMicroRNA targeting in mammalian genomes: genes and mechanisms
Author(s) -
Muljo S. A.,
Kanellopoulou C.,
Aravind L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
wiley interdisciplinary reviews: systems biology and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.087
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1939-005X
pISSN - 1939-5094
DOI - 10.1002/wsbm.53
Subject(s) - microrna , subnetwork , biology , computational biology , gene , rna interference , gene silencing , regulation of gene expression , genome , gene expression , genetics , bioinformatics , rna , computer science , computer security
We briefly review the history of microRNA (miRNA) research and some of the lessons learnt. To provide some insights as to how and why miRNAs came into existence, we consider the evolution of the RNA interference machinery, miRNA genes, and their targets. We highlight the importance of systems biology approaches to integrate miRNAs as an essential subnetwork for modulating gene expression programs. Building accurate computational models that can simulate highly complex cell‐specific gene expression patterns in mammals will lead to a better understanding of miRNAs and their targets in physiological and pathological situations. The impact of miRNAs on medicine, either as potential disease predisposing factors, biomarkers, or therapeutics, is highly anticipated and has started to reveal itself. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This article is categorized under: Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology