Spotlight on miRNA

摘要

MicroRNAs(miRNAs)-bits of RNA 18-24 nucleotides in length that can regulate gene expression-are implicated in human afflictions such as cancer,viral infections,and neurological illnesses.An active area of research is the development of miRNA assays with which to diagnose disease and monitor treatment regimes:In a paper published in AC(2008,80,2319-2325),Sapna Deo and co-workers at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis report on the development of an assay that uses Kenilla luciferase(Rluc)to illuminate miRNA in breast cancer cells.