ABSTRACT
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded noncoding RNA molecules of about ~22 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression in diverse organisms. Although the underlying mechanisms of miRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression are not fully defined, these molecules normally function by either suppressing translation or destabilization of mRNAs possessing complementary target sequences. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of miRNAs in virtually every aspect of cell function. For example, they alter the expression of genes involved in cell growth and differentiation, transcription, and alternative splicing. This chapter provides an overview of the role of miRNAs in regulation of gene expression via modulation of alternative splicing.
