MicroRNAs and Mammalian Ovarian Development

Han Zhao; Aleksandar Rajkovic

doi:10.1055/s-0028-1096126

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, Table of Contents

Semin Reprod Med 2008; 26(6): 461-468
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1096126

MicroRNAs and Mammalian Ovarian Development

Han Zhao¹ ^, ² , Aleksandar Rajkovic¹

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
²Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong Uni versity, Jinan, Shandong, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Mammalian ovarian development involves unique interactions between the germ-line and somatic genomes. Several regulators affect gene expression, including a class of small RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small, noncoding, regulatory RNAs that are 19 to 25 nucleotides long. miRNAs regulate gene expression in part via translational control of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). miRNAs are expressed during different stages of mammalian ovarian development and are likely to play important roles during gonadal development and folliculogenesis. The role of individual miRNAs in mammalian ovarian development is currently unknown and will remain an important focus for future investigations.

KEYWORDS

miRNA - ovary - microRNA - Nobox - oocyte

Full Text

References

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Aleksandar RajkovicM.D. Ph.D.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine

1709 Dryden Road, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77030

Email: rajkovic@bcm.edu