MicroRNAs and developmental timing

MicroRNAs regulate temporal transitions in gene expression associated with cell fate progression and differentiation throughout animal development. Genetic analysis of developmental timing in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans identified two evolutionarily conserved microRNAs, lin-4/mir-125 and let-7, that regulate cell fate progression and differentiation in C. elegans cell lineages. MicroRNAs perform analogous developmental timing functions in other animals, including mammals. By regulating cell fate choices and transitions between pluripotency and differentiation, microRNAs help to orchestrate developmental events throughout the developing animal, and to play tissue homeostasis roles important for disease, including cancer.

► C. elegans heterochronic gene pathway is a model for temporal control of cell fates. ► MicroRNAs have evolutionarily conserved functions in developmental timing. ► MicroRNAs exert powerful roles in pluripotency and differentiation.