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Journal of Ovarian Research
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Review

MicroRNAs in ovarian function and disorders

Authors: Ying Li, Ying Fang, Ying Liu, Xiaokui Yang

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, small, noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules approximately 22 nucleotides in length. miRNAs are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of various important cellular physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and hormone biosynthesis and secretion. Ovarian follicles are the key functional units of female reproduction, and the development of these follicles is a complex and precise process accompanied by oocyte maturation as well as surrounding granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation. Numerous miRNAs expressed in the ovary regulate ovarian follicle growth, atresia, ovulation and steroidogenesis and play an important role in ovarian disorders. This review considers recent advances in the identification of miRNAs involved in the regulation of ovarian function as well as the possible influence of miRNAs on ovarian-derived disorders, such as ovarian cancer, polycystic ovarian syndrome and premature ovarian failure. An improved understanding of the regulation of ovarian function by miRNAs may shed light on new strategies for ovarian biology and ovarian disorders.
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Metadata
Title
MicroRNAs in ovarian function and disorders
Authors
Ying Li
Ying Fang
Ying Liu
Xiaokui Yang
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-015-0162-2

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