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Non-coding RNAs in Uterine Development, Function and Disease

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Non-coding RNA and the Reproductive System

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 886))

Abstract

The major function of the uterus is to accept and provide a suitable environment for an embryo, ultimately leading the birth of offspring and successful propagation of the species. For this occur, there must be precise coordination of hormonal signalling within both the endometrial and myometrial components of this organ. Non-coding RNAs, specifically, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be essential for normal uterine development and function. Within this organ, miRNAs are proposed to fine-tune the actions of the female steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone. Not surprising, mis-expression of miRNAs has been documented in diseases of the endometrium and myometrium such as endometriosis and leiomyomas, respectively. In this chapter, I will review the current understanding on the role, regulation and function of non-coding RNAs focusing on miRNAs in both the normal physiology of the endometrium and myometrium as well as in pathologies of these tissues, namely endometriosis and leiomyomas.

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Acknowledgements

Gratitude is expressed to Mr Stanton Fernald for graphic design. A portion of the original work performed by the author and cited in this chapter was funded by grants HD069043 and HD056387 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD/NIH) to WBN.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA

    Warren B. Nothnick Ph.D.

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  1. Warren B. Nothnick Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Warren B. Nothnick Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    Dagmar Wilhelm

  2. School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne School of BioSciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Pascal Bernard

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Nothnick, W.B. (2016). Non-coding RNAs in Uterine Development, Function and Disease. In: Wilhelm, D., Bernard, P. (eds) Non-coding RNA and the Reproductive System. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 886. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-7417-8_9

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