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Endogenous miRNAa: miRNA-Mediated Gene Upregulation

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RNA Activation

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 983))

Abstract

The phenomenon of RNA activation (RNAa) was initially discovered by Li and colleagues about a decade ago. Subsequently, gene activation by exogenously expressed small activating RNA has been demonstrated in different cellular contexts by a number of laboratories. Conceivably, endogenously expressed microRNAs may also utilize RNA activation as a cellular mechanism for gene regulation, which may be dysregulated in disease states such as cancer. RNA activation can be applied to gain-of-function studies and holds great promise for disease intervention. This chapter will discuss examples of promoter-targeting microRNAs discovered in recent years and their pathophysiological relevance. I will also briefly touch upon other novel classes of microRNAs with positive gene regulatory roles, including TATA-box-activating microRNAs and enhancer-associated microRNAs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Stethoscope, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA

    Vera Huang

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  1. Vera Huang
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Correspondence to Vera Huang .

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  1. Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China

    Long-Cheng Li

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Huang, V. (2017). Endogenous miRNAa: miRNA-Mediated Gene Upregulation. In: Li, LC. (eds) RNA Activation. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 983. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4310-9_5

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