Work

The Y in and Y ang of micro RNA s: leukemia and immunity

Year: 2013

Type: review

Abstract: Yin and Yang are two complementary forces that together describe the nature of real-world elements. Yin is the dark side; Yang is the light side. We describe microRNAs having both Yin and Yang characteristics because they can contribute to normal function (Yang) but also to autoimmunity, myeloproliferation, and cancer (Yin). We have been working on a number of microRNAs that have these dual characteristics and here we focus on two, miR-125b and miR-146a. We have concentrated on these two RNAs because we have very extensive knowledge of them, much of it from our laboratory, and also because they provide a strong contrast: the effects of overexpression of miR-125b are rapid, suggesting that it acts directly, whereas the effects of miR-146a are slow to develop, suggesting that they arise from chronic alterations in cellular behavior.

Source: Immunological Reviews

DOI: 10.1111/imr.12043

Authors: Alex Yick‐Lun So, Jimmy L. Zhao, David Baltimore

Institution: California Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: MicroRNA in disease regulation

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases