Gene regulation in animal miRNA biogenesis

Abstract

miRNAs are a class of noncoding RNAs of approximately 19–22 nucleotides that are widely found in animals, plants, bacteria and even viruses. Dysregulation of the expression profile of miRNAs is importantly linked to the development of diseases. Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression and control cellular phenotypes. Although miRNAs are used as an epigenetic regulation tool, the biogenesis of miRNAs is also regulated by epigenetic events. Here the authors review the mechanisms and roles of epigenetic modification (DNA methylation, histone modifications), RNA modification and ncRNAs in the biogenesis of miRNAs, aiming to deepen the understanding of the miRNA biogenesis regulatory network.