microRNA nomenclature: A view incorporating genetic origins biosynthetic pathways and sequence variants

摘要

High-throughput sequencing of microRNAs has revealed the diversity and variability of mature and functional short non-coding RNAs, including their genomic origins, biogenesis pathways, sequence variability, and newly identified products, such as microRNA-offset RNAs. Here, we review known cases of alternative mature miRNA-like RNA fragments and propose a revised definition of microRNAs to encompass this diversity. We then review nomenclature guidelines for microRNAs and propose to extend nomenclature conventions to align with those for protein-coding genes established by international consortia. Finally, we suggest a system to encompass the full complexity of sequence variations, i.e. isomiRs, in the analysis of small RNA sequencing experiments.