A matter of timing: MicroRNA-controlled temporal identities in worms and flies

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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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1572-1576
Number of pages5
JournalGenes and Development
Volume22
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Jun 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Developmental timing
  • Heterochronic
  • Let-7
  • Let-7-Complex
  • MicroRNA
  • Neuromuscular junction

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