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Diverse Small Non-coding RNAs in RNA Interference Pathways

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First Online:
Part of the Methods in Molecular Biology book series (MIMB, volume 764)

Abstract

Large numbers of diverse small non-coding RNAs have been discovered and characterized in eukaryotic RNA interference pathways. These small RNAs have distinctive characteristics and are associated with Argonaute family proteins to regulate gene expression and genomes at various levels. These small RNAs include the Dicer-dependent group such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and the Dicer-independent group such as Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). This review summarizes the various classes of eukaryotic small RNAs and the general knowledge of their characteristics, biogenesis, and functions, with emphasis on some of the recently identified small RNAs.

Key words

RNAi miRNA siRNA piRNA qiRNA 
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Notes

Acknowledgement

This work is supported by funds from the National Institute of Health and Welch Foundation (I-1560) to Y. Liu.

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© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of PhysiologyThe University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUSA

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