2010 is over, so we’ve decided to take a look back at some of the exciting non-coding RNA work that came out over the last half of the year on topics like iPS cells, miRNA sponges, cancer and biomarkers. Enjoy!
miRNAs in iPS cells
An important tool for stem cell research, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) still aren’t exact copies of natural stem cells, and in fact can still contain some of the leftover miRNA patterns they had before induction.
August 4, 2010. iPS Cells Can’t Escape Their miRNA Pasts
Ultraconserved ncRNAs
Much like a tumor suppressor gene, researchers found some ultraconserved, non-coding RNAs that when silenced can lead to big cancer problems. The hope is that these ncRNAs could be used as diagnostics, or biomarkers for cancer.
August 31, 2010. Silencing of Ultraconserved ncRNAs Is Not So Golden in Cancer
miRNA Sponges
This review looked at some new reports showing how nature uses miRNA sponges, or decoys to modulate miRNA activity…and here we thought Phil Sharp’s MIT lab were the first ones using miR sponges.
October 15, 2010. miRNA Sponges Making a Big Splash
miRNAs in Leukemia
Just in case you don’t buy the relevance of miRNAs, this study offers compelling evidence that miR-125b is a critical factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
November 30, 2010 Leukemia ALL Because of microRNA-125b
Biomarkers
miRNAs may end up being perfect biomarkers because of things like their stability, and presence in various body fluids (like urine). There is still some work left to do before they’re ready for prime-time though.
September 23, 2010. miRNAs Go with the Flow
miRNA Variation
An in depth look into miRNA sequences revealed much more variation than was once thought in individual miRNA species. See what the presence of these “isomirs” means to your miRNA experiments.
October 5, 2010. miRNAs Host New Variety Show