How do microRNAs regulate gene expression?

Cannell, I. G., Kong, Y. W. and Bushell, M. (2008) How do microRNAs regulate gene expression? Biochemical Society Transactions, 36(6), pp. 1224-1231. (doi: 10.1042/BST0361224) (PMID:19021530)

Abstract

miRNAs (microRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They generally bind to the 3′-UTR (untranslated region) of their target mRNAs and repress protein production by destabilizing the mRNA and translational silencing. The exact mechanism of miRNA-mediated translational repression is yet to be fully determined, but recent data from our laboratory have shown that the stage of translation which is inhibited by miRNAs is dependent upon the promoter used for transcribing the target mRNA. This review focuses on understanding how miRNA repression is operating in light of these findings and the questions that still remain.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council). M.B. is a BBSRC David Phillips Fellow.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bushell, Professor Martin
• Authors: Cannell, I. G., Kong, Y. W., and Bushell, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Biochemical Society Transactions
• Publisher: Portland Press for The Biochemical Society
• ISSN: 0300-5127
• ISSN (Online): 1470-8752