BOSTON (August 16, 2010) Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center have identified an RNA sequence that promotes increased numbers of specific microRNAs (miRNAs), molecules that regulate cell growth, development, and stress response. The discovery helps researchers understand the links between miRNA expression and disease, including heart disease and cancer. The findings are published in the August 13 issue of Molecular Cell.
"A growing body of evidence shows that abnormal expression of miRNAs can contribute to human diseases such as heart disease and cancer. A better understanding of how miRNAs are generated and how they regulate genes may provide important insights into the mechanisms of physiological disorders such as heart disease and cancer," said senior author Akiko Hata, PhD, associate professor in the department of biochemistry at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) and a member of the biochemistry and cell, molecular and developmental biology program faculties at the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts.
MiRNAs are initially formed as a long sequence of RNA called the primary miRNA. This molecule undergoes several steps to transform it into mature miRNA. Once formed, the mature miRNAs regulate gene expression by silencing or activating target genes. More than 700 human miRNAs with various functions are currently known.
Hata and colleagues previously found that the processing of some miRNAs could be regulated in response to cellular signals from a specific signaling pathway. In the current study, Hata and colleagues found that most of the miRNAs regulated by this signaling pathway share a common RNA sequence. When this RNA sequence was mutated, the signaling pathway no longer regulated miRNA processing. Conversely, when the RNA sequence was introduced into a new miRNA, the miRNA became responsive to the signaling pathway.
"An enzyme called Drosha i
'/>"/>
| Contact: Siobhan Gallagher 617-636-6586 Tufts University, Health Sciences Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Newly-discovered mechanism can explain the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
2. Newly identified gene powerful predictor of colon cancer metastasis
3. Newly found enzymes may play early role in cancer
4. Obesity starts in the head? 6 newly discovered genes for obesity have a neural effect
5. UC Davis research shows that newly discovered drug reduces heart enlargement
6. Newly described contaminant sources in Katrina-flooded homes pose health risks
7. DNA evidence is in, newly discovered species of fish dubbed H. psychedelica
8. Newly discovered gene plays vital role in cancer
9. Newly discovered epidermal growth factor receptor active in human pancreatic cancers
10. Newly discovered reactions from an old drug may lead to new antibiotics
11. Newly discovered snow roots are evolutionary phenomenon
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |