A group of small RNA molecules, distinct from but related to siRNAs (small interference RNAs) have been identified in avariety of organisms. These small RNAs, called microRNAs (miRNAs), are endogenously encoded approximately 20-24 ntlong single-stranded RNAs. They are generally expressed in a highly tissue- or developmental-stage-specific fashion andare post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression in animals and plants. This article summarizes the character, mechanismand analysis method about miRNAs. The current view that miRNAs represent a newly discovered, hidden layer of generegulation has resulted in high interest among researchers in the discovery of miRNAs, their targets, expression mechanismof action and analysis methods.
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