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Regulation of Stem Cell Populations by microRNAs

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Transcriptional and Translational Regulation of Stem Cells

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 786))

Abstract

miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that have emerged as crucial post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. They are key players in various critical cellular processes such as proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis and differentiation. Self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential are hallmarks of stem cells. The switch between self-renewal and differentiation requires rapid widespread changes in gene expression. Since miRNAs can repress the translation of many mRNA targets, they are good candidates to regulate cell fates. In the past few years, miRNAs have appeared as important new actors in stem cell development by regulating differentiation and maintenance of stem cells. In this chapter we will focus on the role of miRNAs in various stem cell populations. After an introduction on microRNA biogenesis, we will review the recent knowledge on miRNA expression and function in pluripotent cells and during the acquisition of stem cell fate. We will then briefly examine the role of miRNAs in adult and cancer stem cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, UW Medicine at South Lake Union, 850 Republican street, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA

    Julie Mathieu & Hannele Ruohola-Baker

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  1. Julie Mathieu
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  2. Hannele Ruohola-Baker
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Correspondence to Hannele Ruohola-Baker .

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  1. , Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, VIC Grattan Street, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia

    Gary Hime

  2. , Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia

    Helen Abud

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Mathieu, J., Ruohola-Baker, H. (2013). Regulation of Stem Cell Populations by microRNAs. In: Hime, G., Abud, H. (eds) Transcriptional and Translational Regulation of Stem Cells. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 786. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6621-1_18

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