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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: jas.2008-1331v1 87/14_suppl/E29    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 HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Carletti, M. Z. Articles by Christenson, L. K. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Carletti, M. Z. Articles by Christenson, L. K.

MicroRNA in the ovary and female reproductive tract¹

Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66160

² Corresponding author: lchristenson{at}kumc.edu

Posttranscriptional gene regulation plays a vital role in male and female germ cell function, but our understanding of this regulatory process in somatic cells and its effect on reproductive tissue development and function is not understood. In mammalian cells, microRNA (miRNA) are key posttranscriptional regulators and function by modulating translation or degradation of their target mRNA. Mature miRNA are synthesized through a multi-step process that concludes with the cleavage of stem-loop pre-miRNA by the RNase III enzyme, Dicer1. To determine the extent of miRNA regulation and establish a baseline, miRNA profiling has indicated the presence of large numbers of miRNA within reproductive tissues and cells. Moreover, several studies have indicated that miRNA expression in reproductive tissues varies in response to pituitary and gonadal hormones. To understand the role that miRNA-mediated posttranscriptional gene regulation plays in female reproduction, a global Dicer1 hypomorph mouse and several tissue-specific Dicer1 knockout mice have been studied. Interestingly, when Dicer1 expression is decreased in reproductive tissues or cells, the females are infertile. This review discusses all the work regarding miRNA regulation within the mammalian female reproductive system published to date.

Key Words: microRNA • oocyte • ovary • oviduct • uterus

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