Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #255023
Title: microRNAs of parasites: current status and future perspectives

Author
item LIU, QUAN - Academy Of Military Medical Sciences
item Tuo, Wenbin
item GAO, HONGWEI - Academy Of Military Medical Sciences
item ZHU, XING-QUAN - South China Agricultural University

Submitted to: Parasitology Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/18/2010
Publication Date: 6/8/2010
Citation: Liu, Q., Tuo, W., Gao, H., Zhu, X. 2010. microRNAs of parasites: current status and future perspectives. Parasitology Research. 107:501-507.

Interpretive Summary: MicroRNAs are a family of non-coding RNAs with short sequences, regulating gene expression in eukaryotes at the post-transcriptional level. The life cycles of parasites are very complex and may require complicated capability to respond to environmental and developmental signals by regulated gene expression mediated by microRNA. Over the past 17 years, thousands of microRNAs have been identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and other parasites. Here, we review the current status and potential functions of microRNAs in protozoan, helminths and arthropods, and propose some perspectives for future studies.

Technical Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-coding small RNAs regulating gene expression in eukaryotes at the post-transcriptional level. The complex life cycles of parasites may require the ability to respond to environmental and developmental signals through miRNA-mediated gene expression. Over the past 17 years, thousands of miRNAs have been identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and other parasites. Here, we review the current status and potential functions of miRNAs in protozoan, helminths and arthropods, and propose some perspectives for future studies.