biostudies-literatureLu DMedical Research CouncilWellcome Truste40938https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3422229biostudies-literatureUnknown7(8)<h4>Background</h4>miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have critical functions in various biological processes. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in mammalian genomes but only a small number of them have been functionally characterized. Recent studies also demonstrate that some miRNAs have important roles in reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).<h4>Methods</h4>We screened 52 miRNAs cloned in a piggybac (PB) vector for their roles in reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells to iPSCs. To identify targets of miRNAs, we made Dgcr8-deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells and introduced miRNA mimics to these cells, which lack miRNA biogenesis. The direct target genes of miRNA were identified through global genePloS oneMiR-25 regulates Wwp2 and Fbxw7 and promotes reprogramming of mouse fibroblast cells to iPSCs.PMC3422229G1001781G0700287077186/Z/05/ZCampos LSVigorito ESkarnes WCDavis MPAbreu-Goodger CDunham ILiu PLu DWang WSiede JEnright AJfalseMiR-25 regulates Wwp2 and Fbxw7 and promotes reprogramming of mouse fibroblast cells to iPSCs.<h4>Background</h4>miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have critical functions in various biological processes. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in mammalian genomes but only a small number of them have been functionally characterized. Recent studies also demonstrate that some miRNAs have important roles in reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).<h4>Methods</h4>We screened 52 miRNAs cloned in a piggybac (PB) vector for their roles in reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells to iPSCs. To identify targets of miRNAs, we made Dgcr8-deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells and introduced miRNA mimics to these cells, which lack miRNA biogenesis. The direct target genes of miRNA were identified through global gene2012-01-01T00:00:00Z20122026-05-04T00:38:44.039Z2026-04-07T19:53:06.633ZS-EPMC34222292291266710.1371/journal.pone.0040938