ABSTRACT
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abundant, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression in diverse organisms. miRNAs control biological events, including developmental timing, cell proliferation, apoptosis, stress resistance, and metabolism. Much of what is known about miRNA function and biogenesis comes from studies done in Caenorhabditis elegans. The C. elegans genome encodes hundreds of miRNAs, many of which are highly conserved in vertebrates. Despite their widespread occurrence, the majority of miRNA targets remain undetermined.
