微小RNA在基因表达调控中的作用研究进展

Tiny RNA′s control of gene expression: research advances

微小RNA是近年来在多种真核生物及病毒中发现的一类长度为19～26nt(或bp)、具有基因表达调控作用的单链或双链RNA分子。目前已发现的微小RNA分子包括siRNA、miRNA以及新近发现的调节性小RNA(smallmodulatoryRNA,smRNA)。它们具有基因表达调控等重要作用,因而受到了较为广泛的关注。本文对3种微小RNA在基因表达调控方面的作用作一综述。

Tiny RNAs are a class of 19-26 nt(or bp)-RNAs recently discovered in many kinds of eukaryotes and virus, with important roles in control and modulation of gene expression. They include three subgroups: siRNA, miRNA and (smRNA). Due to their important biofunctions, wide attention has been paid to them. Here these biofunctions are reviewed.