MicroRNA : Biosynthesis Function and the important role in erythropoiesis

Abstract

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with approximately 18-25 nucleotides in length. The majority of microRNAs are transcribed from microRNA genes. They play an important role in regulating cellular functions by controlling gene expression. Thus, cell maturation, differentiation, proliferation, death, metabolism and development are also regulated by miRNAs. MicroRNAs can bind to specific target sequences in the 3' UTR (untranslated region) of mRNA, which consequently induces mRNA degradation or suppression of protein translation. In erythropoiesis, there are more than 20 microRNAs which regulate the normal process of stem cell differentiation, proliferation and maturation to be erythroid progenitor cells. Expression of each microRNA is different, depending on stages of cell development. MicroRNA functions appear to be gene and stage specific in cell maturation and development. Regulation of erythropoiesis by microRNAs is important mechanism that works in collaboration with transcription factors as a system to prevent ineffective erythropoiesis such as in thalassemia. In addition, aberrant expression of specific microRNAs may result in abnormal gene function leading the development of clinical diseases, which have been found in many types of cancers that are likely to be associated with aberrant expression of microRNAs. .

Keywords: microRNA, mRNA, Translation,  Regulation,  Erythropoiesis