Identification of novel homologous microRNA genes in the rhesus macaque genome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are about 22 nucleotide (nt) endogenous small RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. They are a recently described class of regulatory molecules that has biological implications for tumorigenesis, development, metabolism and viral diseases. To date, 533 miRNAs have been identified in human. However, only 71 miRNAs have been reported in rhesus macaque. The rhesus is widely used in medical research because of its genetic and physiological similarity to human. The rhesus shares approximately 93% similarity with human in genome sequences and miRNA genes are evolutionarily conserved. Therefore, we searched the rhesus genome for sequences similar to human miRNA precursor sequences to identify putative rhesus miRNA genes.

Results

In addition to

SUBMITTER: Yue J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2254598 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature