| Research on microRNAs (miRNAs) and other small RNA molecules is arguably one of the fastest growing fields in the contemporary molecular biology. miRNAs, the most studied class of small RNAs, are now recognized as one of the key regulators of gene expression, involved in almost every aspect of a cell life from cell differentiation to apoptosis, although specific functions have been elucidated only for a handful of miRNAs so far. Other recently discovered small RNA classes, such as piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small modulatory dsRNAs (smRNAs) and repeat-associated small interfering RNAs (rasiRNAs) are less understood but are also assumed to have a variety of regulatory functions. We apply computational, functional and comparative genomics approaches to study the repertoire, biological roles and evolution of small RNAs. In particular, we use worm, rodent and primate model systems to investigate how microRNAs and other small RNAs contribute to the diversity of neuron types and development of the nervous system. |
