A map of human microRNA variation uncovers unexpectedly high levels of variability.

ABSTRACT:

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key components of the gene regulatory network in many species. During the past few years, these regulatory elements have been shown to be involved in an increasing number and range of diseases. Consequently, the compilation of a comprehensive map of natural variability in a healthy population seems an obvious requirement for future research on miRNA-related pathologies.

Methods

Data on 14 populations from the 1000 Genomes Project were analyzed, along with new data extracted from 60 exomes of healthy individuals from a population from southern Spain, sequenced in the context of the Medical Genome Project, to derive an accurate map of miRNA variability.

Results

Despite the common belief that miRNAs are highly conserved elements, analysi

SUBMITTER: Carbonell J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4064319 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature