Micrornas are Not That Small to Ignore

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecule that negatively regulates gene expression by causing either degradation or translational inhibition of their target mRNAs. These miRNAs are key regulators of various biological processes such as differentiation, maturation and maintenance of immune homeostasis. Furthermore, deregulated expression of miRNA has now been shown to regulate several disease processes by regulating tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, apoptosis and metastasis in cancer and other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This review article summarizes the present status of miRNA research, with major emphasis on the roles of miRNAs in the development of various human diseases.