MicroRNA nomenclature: A uniform system for microRNA annotation

A letter by VICTOR AMBROS et al. published on RNA (2003), 9:277–279. (Victor Ambros lab, Dartmouth college).

ABSTRACT
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA gene products about 22 nt long that are processed by Dicer from precursors
with a characteristic hairpin secondary structure. Guidelines are presented for the identification and annotation of new miRNAs
from diverse organisms, particularly so that miRNAs can be reliably distinguished from other RNAs such as small interfering
RNAs. We describe specific criteria for the experimental verification of miRNAs, and conventions for naming miRNAs and
miRNA genes. Finally, an online clearinghouse for miRNA gene name assignments is provided by the Rfam database of RNA
families.
Keywords: microRNA; noncoding RNA; Rfam; Dicer; genome annotation

Last update 21-Feb-2007, Rating Good of 2 votes.