Essays on Biogenesis

MicroRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding, 16–29 nucleotide RNA molecules (approximately 22 nucleotides in length) comprising of an evolutionarily conserved class of endogenous ribo-regulators that regulate (modulate) gene expression (Wiemer, 2007, p.1529; Zhang et al., 2006, p.9136; Garzon et al., 2009, p.168). They were discovered in 1993 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (Espinosa & Slack, 2006, p.131). Currently, 4167 miRNAs are listed in the miRNA registry and 474 human miRNAs have been identified (Wiemer, 2007, p.1530).

The miRNA genes are dispersed across the genome in gene clusters or as single genes. At least 50% of the miRNA genes are ...

Literature Review Plan

Introduction This section begins with the definition and a brief introduction of microRNA, its biogenesis and mode of action, how to identify miRNA targets, and the various functions of miRNA. The definition of tumorigenesis is also presented here. The section then concludes with a brief description of the topic and the importance of the topic.

The main theme

The main theme here is the role of miRNA in tumorigenesis. This section begins with a general overview of miRNA and cancer. It highlights the families of miRNAs with tumour suppressing activity such as MiR-15a and miR-16-1, and the Let-7 family. Also considered are the families ...

The Role of MicroRNA in Tumorigenesis: Article Summaries

In the article “Identification of Small Molecules That Suppress MicroRNA Function and Reverse Tumorigenesis,” Watashi, Yeung, Starost, Hosmane, and Jeang (2010) explain their cell-based model of microRNA (miRNA) related tumorigenesis that was used to observe the influence of two compounds that suppress miRNA pathways and potentially reverse tumorigenesis. While screening 530 compounds, the authors have found that polylysine (PLL) and trypaflavine (TPF) are relatively non-cytotoxic compounds that suppress miRNA activity. Watashi et al. (2010) have found that it could be possible to reverse tumorigenesis with those two compounds because they act as inhibitors for the miRNA-mediated silencing function. The ...