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MicroRNA Function in Mast Cell Biology: Protocols to Characterize and Modulate MicroRNA Expression

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Mast Cells

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1220))

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that can modulate mRNA levels through RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated degradation. Recognition of target mRNAs occurs through imperfect base pairing between an miRNA and its target, meaning that each miRNA can target a number of different mRNAs to modulate gene expression. miRNAs have been proposed as novel therapeutic targets and many studies are aimed at characterizing miRNA expression patterns and functions within a range of cell types. To date, limited research has focused on the function of miRNAs specifically in mast cells; however, this is an emerging field. In this chapter, we will briefly overview miRNA synthesis and function and the current understanding of miRNAs in hematopoietic development and immune function, emphasizing studies related to mast cell biology. The chapter will conclude with fundamental techniques used in miRNA studies, including RNA isolation, real-time PCR and microarray approaches for quantification of miRNA expression levels, and antagomir design to interfere with miRNA function.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia

    Steven Maltby, Maximilian Plank, Joerg Mattes & Paul S. Foster

  2. Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia

    Steven Maltby & Paul S. Foster

  3. Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Catherine Ptaschinski

Authors
  1. Steven Maltby
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  2. Maximilian Plank
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  3. Catherine Ptaschinski
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  4. Joerg Mattes
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  5. Paul S. Foster
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Steven Maltby or Paul S. Foster .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Genetics, The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Michael R. Hughes

  2. Department of Medical Genetics, The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Kelly M. McNagny

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Maltby, S., Plank, M., Ptaschinski, C., Mattes, J., Foster, P.S. (2015). MicroRNA Function in Mast Cell Biology: Protocols to Characterize and Modulate MicroRNA Expression. In: Hughes, M., McNagny, K. (eds) Mast Cells. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1220. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1568-2_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1568-2_18

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-1567-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-1568-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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