An article in this month’s Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology has illustrated the widespread use of miRNAs by different cell types during development. It describes several examples such as how the regulation of miR-15 and miR-16 helps to promote mesodermal patterning in the frog. miR-124 is discussed in relation to maintaining neuronal cell identity in brain development, and miR-1 is discussed in relation to its role in skeletal muscle development.

Does anyone else have any other good examples of how specific miRNAs regulate the development of particular cell types?

Reference: Stefani, G. & Slack, FJ. (2008). Small non-coding RNAs in animal development. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 9: 219-230.