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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: jas.2008-1303v1 87/14_suppl/E21    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by McDaneld, T. G. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by McDaneld, T. G.

MicroRNA: Mechanism of gene regulation and application to livestock¹

US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933

² Corresponding author: tara.mcdaneld{at}ars.usda.gov

Posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression plays a role in multiple cellular pathways. MicroRNA (miRNA) are an emerging class of small RNA that regulate gene translation. However, the mechanisms by which miRNA regulate this process remain controversial. By altering posttranscriptional regulation, miRNA have a role in guiding developmental decisions, including cell fate, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, adipocyte differentiation, and processes that alter muscle development and growth. The role of miRNA in developmental decisions that affect animal biology is of significant interest, yet the current literature is limited in livestock models. Therefore, a review of the mechanisms by which miRNA alter gene translation and the current research evaluating miRNA in production livestock is needed.

Key Words: development • livestock • microRNA • translation