Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
9 p.
Publication Date
12-2007
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Source Publication
PLoS Genetics
Source ISSN
1553-7404
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0030215
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a large class of short noncoding RNAs found in many plants and animals, often act to post-transcriptionally inhibit gene expression. We report the generation of deletion mutations in 87 miRNA genes in Caenorhabditis elegans, expanding the number of mutated miRNA genes to 95, or 83% of known C. elegans miRNAs. We find that the majority of miRNAs are not essential for the viability or development of C. elegans, and mutations in most miRNA genes do not result in grossly abnormal phenotypes. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that there is significant functional redundancy among miRNAs or among gene pathways regulated by miRNAs. This study represents the first comprehensive genetic analysis of miRNA function in any organism and provides a unique, permanent resource for the systematic study of miRNAs.
Recommended Citation
Miska, Eric A.; Alvarez-Saavedra, Ezequiel; Abbott, Allison L.; Lau, Nelson C.; Hellman, Andrew B.; McGonagle, Shannon M.; Bartel, David P.; Ambros, Victor R.; and Horvitz, H. Robert, "Most Caenorhabditis elegans MicroRNAs are Individually Not Essential for Development or Viability" (2007). Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications. 109.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bio_fac/109
Comments
Published version. PLoS Genetics, Vol. 3, No. 12 (December 2007): 2395-2403. DOI. © 2007 Public Library of Science. Published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.