Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Mol Cell. 2010 Oct 22;40(2):205-15. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2010.09.027.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of ∼22 nucleotide short noncoding RNAs that play key roles in fundamental cellular processes, including how cells respond to changes in environment or, broadly defined, stresses. Responding to stresses, cells either choose to restore or reprogram their gene expression patterns. This decision is partly mediated by miRNA functions, in particular by modulating the amount of miRNAs, the amount of mRNA targets, or the activity/mode of action of miRNA-protein complexes. In turn, these changes determine the specificity, timing, and concentration of gene products expressed upon stresses. Dysregulation of these processes contributes to chronic diseases, including cancers.
微小 RNA（miRNA）是一类约 22 个核苷酸的短非编码 RNA，在包括细胞如何响应环境变化或广义上的应激等基本细胞过程中发挥关键作用。为了应对应激，细胞要么选择恢复要么重新编程其基因表达模式。这个决定部分由 miRNA 功能介导，特别是通过调节 miRNA 的数量、mRNA 靶标数量或 miRNA-蛋白质复合物的活性/作用模式。反过来，这些变化决定了应激时基因产物表达的特异性、时间和浓度。这些过程的失调导致包括癌症在内的慢性疾病。
