miRNAs: Their discovery, biogenesis and mechanism of action

The field of miRNA research is evolving at a very fast pace. Since their discovery almost 20 years ago, miRNAs have proven to be of tremendous importance to normal physiological homeostasis as well as to the pathogenesis of major diseases such as cancer. Recent advances describe a key contribution for miRNAs in a wide variety of cellular processes ranging from embryonic development, cell proliferation and apoptosis to prominent roles in disease progression. miRNAs are now of central interest to biomedical research. Here we provide an overview of their discovery, biogenesis and mechanism of action.

► The history of miRNA discovery is described in details. ► Mammalian miRNA biogenesis is summarized. ► The mechanism and effects of miRNA gene expression regulation are discussed.