miRNA and Hematopoiesis

Guest Editor: Dr. Monique L. den Boer

The discovery of miRNAs in C.elegans in 1993 and the discovery of the post-transcription RNA-interference machinery in 1998 has had a deep impact on our understanding of the regulation of protein-coding gene expression. Pioneering studies showed the contribution of dysregulated miRNAs to cancer development and cancer progression. In recent years many reports have demonstrated the importance of miRNAs in normal hematopoiesis and leukemia.

Moreover, miRNAs and their targeted genes are emerging as potential new tools for targeted therapy.

In this spotlight series we will provide comprehensive reviews by experts in the field that cover a range of topics including the biological and clinical value of miRNAs in leukemia, normal hematopoiesis and the immune system, the tight epigenetic control of the miRNA machinery, a critical evaluation of methods for target gene prediction and functional studies and the clinical interference with miRNA function as new treatment options in leukemia.