Biogenesis of small non-coding RNAs in animals

Abstract

In recent years, the discovery of small non-coding RNAs has opened an all new field in molecular biology. Indeed, these non-coding sequences give rise to powerful regulators of gene expression. Nowadays, different types of small non-coding RNAs have been described. Of these, the best-characterized types are microRNAs, piRNAs (Piwi-interacting RNAs) and siRNAs (small interfering RNAs). Because of their fine-tuning important function in the regulation of gene and genome expression, an aberrant expression level of those small non-coding RNAs are associated to several pathologies. While this new research field is attracting attention, many aspects to be discovered. This review focuses on the biogenesis pathways of microRNAs, piRNAs and siRNAs in animals.