The Fundamentals of miRNA Biology: Structure, Biogenesis and Regulatory Functions
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression plays a key role in the control of many cellular processes. One essential element of such regulation is the miRNA – a class of short non-coding RNAs. The miRNAs were first discovered in 1993, but their active investigation has not started until early 2000s. Recent data show that miRNA might regulate the expression of at least half of human genes. Being involved in the regulation of a large number of target genes implicated in cell functioning, miRNA activity is critical for normal human development and function, while dysregulation of miRNA is a hallmark of many pathophysiological processes. Current review introduces the reader to the main stages of the life cycle of miRNAs in human cells. The origins of cell miRNAs, their processing, functions and regulation of their activity are discussed. The publication is aimed at readers looking to gain first insight into the intiricacies of miRNA biology, but can also provide a source of reference material for specialists in the area.