Analysis of microRNA knockouts in mice

Hum Mol Genet. 2010 Oct 15;19(R2):R169-75. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddq367. Epub 2010 Aug 30.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that act as potent regulators of gene expression. The discovery of miRNAs with specific temporal and spatial expression patterns revealed a hidden layer of post-transcriptional gene regulation. Furthermore, differential expression of miRNAs during disease progression identified miRNAs as relevant candidate genes in human pathologies. Currently the exact roles of miRNAs in human development and disease progression remain largely unknown. There have been recent efforts to study the loss of these genes in vivo and this review will discuss published miRNA knockout mouse models, highlighting their potential mechanisms of action in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism

Substances

  • MicroRNAs