Abstract
The first microRNAs were identified in Caenorhabditis elegans based on their functions in the temporal regulation of stage-specific cell fate decisions. Until now, it was not known whether the so-called heterochronic genes that encode miRNAs are also involved in controlling developmental transitions in other organisms. New findings by Sokol et al. (this issue of Genes & Development, pp. 1591-1596) demonstrate that the Drosophila counterpart of a heterochronic miRNA gene from C. elegans, let-7, does indeed play a role in promoting stage-specific developmental events in neuromuscular tissues during the transition from larval to adult stages, thus pointing to a more widespread utilization of miRNAs in temporal regulation of animal development.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1572-1576 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Genes and Development |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 15 Jun 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Developmental timing
- Heterochronic
- Let-7
- Let-7-Complex
- MicroRNA
- Neuromuscular junction