The roles of microRNAs in mouse development

Hundreds of microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed in distinct spatial and temporal patterns during embryonic and postnatal mouse development. The loss of all miRNAs through the deletion of critical miRNA biogenesis factors results in early lethality. The function of each miRNA stems from their cumulative negative regulation of multiple mRNA targets expressed in a particular cell type. During development, miRNAs often coordinate the timing and direction of cell fate transitions. In adults, miRNAs frequently contribute to organismal fitness through homeostatic roles in physiology. Here, we review how the recent dissection of miRNA-knockout phenotypes in mice as well as advances related to their targets, dosage, and interactions have collectively informed our understanding of the roles of miRNAs in mammalian development and adaptive responses.

Automated summary

MiRNAs play crucial regulatory roles in mouse development by negatively regulating multiple mRNA targets. They coordinate cell fate transitions during development and contribute to organismal fitness through homeostatic roles in adults. Recent advances in miRNA-knockout phenotypes and related targets, dosage, and interactions have enhanced our understanding of their roles in mammalian development and adaptive responses.