Microarray analysis of microRNA expression in the developing mammalian brain

Abstract Background MicroRNAs are a large new class of tiny regulatory RNAs found in nematodes, plants, insects and mammals. MicroRNAs are thought to act as post-transcriptional modulators of gene expression. In invertebrates microRNAs have been implicated as regulators of developmental timing, neuronal differentiation, cell proliferation, programmed cell death and fat metabolism. Little is known about the roles of microRNAs in mammals. Results We isolated 18-26 nucleotide RNAs from developing rat and monkey brains. From the sequences of these RNAs and the sequences of the rat and human genomes we determined which of these small RNAs are likely to have derived from stem-loop precursors typical of microRNAs.…

• HH
  Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• WT
  Wellcome Trust
• NE
  National Eye Institute
• NI
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke