From Texas A & M (A & M) University (Texas A & M University), etc. Washington University researchers found that a small RNA: miR166/165 can affect a gene involved in cell development separatist organizations, thus affecting the differentiation of stem cells. The research results published in the journal of "cells" (Cell), "cells" magazine paper closely watched.

Corresponding author of the article is the Texas A & M University Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics the Zhang Xiuren (Xiuren Zhang, transliteration) Dr. direction of its research group of small RNA splicing viral suppression.

miRNA is a class of naturally occurring plant and animal cells, small non-coding RNA Since 1993 Online insects discovered since the first miRNA, miRNA is involved in the regulation of many cellular functions and developmental processes. This small molecules for several years International Molecular Biology top magazine named the "top ten scientific and technological breakthroughs, has also become the new hot spot of research in multiple areas of genetic, developmental, cancer stem cells. Today, about 1,000 animal miRNA was reported, and about 30% of the genes are predicted miRNA target genes can be miRNA directly regulated.

In this article, the researchers found that a small RNA molecules with a model plant Arabidopsis genes involved in cell development separatist organizations: AGO10 the interaction, AGO10 gene (also known as PINHEAD (PNH) or ZWILLE (ZLL )) Arabidopsis regulation of apical meristem important factor.

The researchers found that the expression of specific AGO10 able miR165/166 combination ultimately promote the HD-ZIP â…¢ (HD-ZIP â…¢ important transcription factor regulation of Arabidopsis apical meristem). Separatist organizations The the miR166/165 not and AGO10, or AGO10 gene deletion of the plants will be destroyed. MiR166/165 combined with other AGO proteins, the plant will stop gene expression.

The results of these studies the combination will hinder the normal development of the Splinter Cell miR166/165 with other genes, and combined with AGO10 can prevent this the MiRNA with other gene action, and the researchers found that the interaction of AGO10 with miR165/166 depends on miR165/166 The structure and contents with AGO10 the catalytic activity. This elaborate fruits, seeds, and leaves a differentiation mechanism of stem cells is of great significance for further analysis of miRNA stem cell differentiation.

Recent scientific research shows that miRNA molecules can inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the degenerative eye disease, this study found that provide a new strategy for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

The researchers found two miRNA molecules form closely related to the abnormal blood vessels in the degenerative eye disease. When the members of the two miRNA gene cluster, miR-23 and miR-27 functional silence inhibit choroidal angiogenesis. The body is usually adopted to maintain the growth factor and inhibitory factors role of balance and the regulation of angiogenesis in normal tissue. When this process occurs imbalance, vascular anomalies generated can cause a variety of diseases. The past, scientists will have a degenerative eye disease treatment studies have focused on the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Researchers by injection of anti-VEGF drugs in the patient study to improve the patient's vision. However, these drugs have limited efficacy in the treatment of certain neovascular maculopathy, and accompanied by the potential side effects.

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