Chapter 7

microRNAs and Non-Coding RNAs in Hematological Malignancies

Hamilton Luiz Gimenes Teixeira and Eduardo Magalhaes Rego

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a distinct subset of non-coding RNAs that control gene expression post-transcriptionally. These molecules generally bind to the 3’-UTR (untranslated region) of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and induce its translational suppression or direct cleavage, based on sequence complementarity. miRNAs play a pivotal role in many cellular processes and their aberrant expression is associated with several human diseases. Their role in normal hematopoiesis has been elucidated by a large number of studies, revealing specific variations of miRNAs expression during the commitment and development of hematological stem cells in different lineages. Aberrant expression of these molecules has also been well documented in the majority of hematological malignancies. Here we discuss the current information available about miRNA expression and its function in normal hematopoiesis and in hematological malignancies.

Total Pages: 60-77 (18)

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