Open Questions: RNA Biology

Prerequisites: Molecular biology and genetics

See also: Gene expression and regulation

miRNA Resource: A resource page with a number of links to information about miRNA, provided by Ambion, Inc.. There are a number of useful articles, and information resources. A good place to start is this graphic Introduction to microRNA.

Gene regulation by microRNAs: Good single-page overview of microRNA.
Scientists Develop New Technique for Silencing Human Genes: May 2001 Scientific American news article about use of RNA interference for gene silencing.

Catalyzing RNA
Sean P. Ryder
The Scientist, September 2010: Once thought to be a biological rarity, self-cleaving RNA enzymes—ribozymes—are being discovered in increasing numbers, thanks to new search tools. Now, in addition to studying their unusual chemical properties, scientists will be able to identify ribozymes in useful model organisms; bringing the field one step closer to defining whether these catalytic RNAs have a broad function in gene regulation.
Cancer's little helpers
Tina Hesman Saey
Science News, August 28, 2010: Tiny pieces of RNA may turn cells to the dark side.
Translation Revelation
Jef Akst
The Scientist, December 2009: More findings confirm that small RNAs work in mysterious ways.
Now Showing: RNA Activation
Elie Dolgin
The Scientist, May 1, 2009: RNA is supposed to silence genes, not boost gene expression. So why are scientists seeing just that?.
Micromanagers
Tina Hesman Saey
Science News, March 1, 2008: New classes of RNAs emerge as key players in the brain.
MicroRNA Target Practice
Douglas Steinberg
The Scientist, June 20, 2005: Computers suggest thousands of binding sites, but experimental support is missing.
MicroRNA Shows Macro Potential
Douglas Steinberg
The Scientist, June 16, 2003: Researchers seek targets and functions of a large new class of small RNAs.
Biological dark matter
John Travis
Science News, January 12, 2002: Newfound RNA suggests a hidden complexity inside cells.