Getting to the root of miRNA-mediated gene silencing

Ana Eulalio; Eric Huntzinger; Elisa Izaurralde

doi:10.1016/j.cell.2007.12.024

Getting to the root of miRNA-mediated gene silencing

Cell. 2008 Jan 11;132(1):9-14. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2007.12.024.

Authors

Ana Eulalio¹, Eric Huntzinger, Elisa Izaurralde

Affiliation

¹ Max-Planck-Institute for Developmental Biology, Spemannstrasse 35, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.

PMID: 18191211
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2007.12.024

Abstract

MicroRNAs are approximately 22 nucleotide-long RNAs that silence gene expression posttranscriptionally by binding to the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs. Although much is known about their biogenesis and biological functions, the mechanisms allowing miRNAs to silence gene expression in animal cells are still under debate. Here, we discuss current models for miRNA-mediated gene silencing and formulate a hypothesis to reconcile differences.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Argonaute Proteins
Eukaryotic Initiation Factors / genetics
Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
Gene Silencing / physiology*
Humans
MicroRNAs / genetics*
Protein Biosynthesis / genetics*
Protein Processing, Post-Translational / genetics*
RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / genetics*
RNA, Messenger / genetics
RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

AGO1 protein, human
Argonaute Proteins
Eukaryotic Initiation Factors
MicroRNAs
RNA, Messenger