4/28/2010 PERMALINK
Scientists uncover alternative pathway of microRNA generation. MicroRNAs are small bits of RNA within cells that wield enormous power. They influence virtually every biological process by controlling the 'expression' of genes. Helping them in exerting this control is a unique class of proteins called Argonautes. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) researchers led by Professor and HHMI investigator Gregory Hannon, Ph.D, now report that in animal cells, one of Argonautes, called Ago2, has a different role, it helps generate microRNAs instead. The study, points to an alternative pathway of microRNA generation that the team discovered by analyzing a microRNA molecule produced in developing red blood cells.