MicroRNAs Emerged Early in Evolution
Posted on October 2, 2008 Comments (1)
New Research Shows MicroRNAs Emerged Early in Evolution
First discovered in 1993, microRNAs are strands of RNA that are 21-24 nucleotides in length. They dampen gene expression by intercepting messenger RNA before it can turn the cellular crank that translates a gene into a protein. Earlier, Bartel’s research team showed that each microRNA can regulate the expression of hundreds of genes.
The ability of microRNAs to silence gene expression likely evolved from a more ancient defense against viruses, bacteria, and other mobile genetic elements that can mutate host DNA.
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The scientists determined that the starlet sea anemone has both microRNAs and piRNAs. In addition, the anemone makes proteins resembling those that interact with these small RNAs in humans. Both types of small RNA were also found in the sponge. The third target of their search, Trichoplax, did not contain any microRNAs, though Bartel suspects they may have existed in ancestral forms and later disappeared.
Related: Scientists discover new class of RNA – RNA related posts – Nobel Prize in Chemistry – 2006
Categories: Life Science, Research, Science, Students
Tags: evolution, genetics, HHMI, medical research, rna
One Response to “MicroRNAs Emerged Early in Evolution”
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November 21st, 2008 @ 11:54 pm
“I personally think now that the whole Precambrian may have been exclusively the reign of protists,” says Matz. “Our observations open up this possible way of interpreting the Precambrian fossil record.”