MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of a large fraction of genes in animals, plants, and protozoa. miRNA-mediated gene repression occurs posttranscriptionally, generally by base-pairing to the 3′ -untranslated regions of target mRNAs, which inhibits protein synthesis and destabilizes the mRNA. In this chapter, we discuss the biological functions of miR-122, a highly abundant, liver-specific miRNA. We will review how studies of miR-122 helped to establish important new paradigms of miRNA-mediated regulation, as well as identifying miR-122 as a factor implicated in important human diseases, including cancer and hepatitis C. We discuss antisense strategies targeting miR-122 as a potential therapeutic approach to treat hepatitis C and possibly other diseases. © 2011 Springer Basel AG.
CITATION STYLE
Filipowicz, W., & Großhans, H. (2011). The liver-specific MicroRNA miR-122: Biology and therapeutic potential. Progress in Drug Research, 67, 221–238. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-8989-5_11
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