Identification and characterization of microRNAs and endogenous siRNAs in Schistosoma japonicum.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small endogenous non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA and other small RNA transcripts are derived from distinct loci in the genome and play critical roles in RNA-mediated gene silencing mechanisms in plants and metazoa. They are approximately 22 nucleotides long; regulate mRNA stability through perfect or imperfect match to the targets. The biological activities of sncRNAs have been related to many biological events, from resistance to microbe infections to cellular differentiation. The development of the zoonotic parasite Schistosoma japonicum parasite includes multiple steps of morphological alterations and biological differentiations, which provide a unique model for studies on the functions of small RNAs. Characterization of the g

SUBMITTER: Hao L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2820009 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature