RNA Editing of Human MicroRNAs
Author Information
Author(s): Matthew J Blow, Russell J Grocock, Stijn van Dongen, Anton J Enright, Ed Dicks, P Andrew Futreal, Richard Wooster, Michael R Stratton
Primary Institution: Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Hypothesis
RNA editing may increase the diversity of miRNAs and their targets.
Conclusion
RNA editing increases the diversity of miRNAs and their targets, potentially modulating miRNA function.
Supporting Evidence
- 6% of miRNA transcripts were found to be edited in at least one tissue.
- Editing was observed in both pri-miRNAs and antisense pri-miRNAs.
- Editing sites were predominantly located in the mature miRNA region.
Takeaway
This study found that some tiny RNA molecules in humans can change their structure, which might help them do their jobs better.
Methodology
The study involved sequencing PCR products from matched genomic DNA and total cDNA from ten human tissues to identify RNA editing sites.
Limitations
The method may not detect low levels of editing and cannot distinguish overlapping transcripts from the same genomic locus.
Participant Demographics
Adult human tissues from brain, heart, liver, lung, ovary, placenta, skeletal muscle, small intestine, spleen, and testis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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