Introduction

Summary

It is now clear an extensive miRNA world was flying almost unseen by genetic radar.

Gary Ruvkun, Professor, Harvard Medical School; Cell, S116, S95, 2004

RNomics is a newly emerging sub-discipline of genomics that categorically studies the structure, function and processes of non-coding ribo nucleic acids in a cell. MicroRNomics is a sub-field of RNomics that describes the biogenesis and mechanisms of tiny RNA regulators, and their involvement in the processes of development, differentiation, cell proliferation, cell death, chromosomal segregation and metabolism. The discovery of microRNAs in species ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to humans, and their regulatory functions, opened a new tier of understanding of gene expression. In addition, the study of RNA interference (RNAi) and its mechanisms propelled the elucidation of various functions of microRNAs. The development and brisk progress in microRNAs research over the past few years allowed us to comprehend the genomics at a newer scale. Therefore, it is now an ideal time to examine the available evidence in a systematic way in order to know where this impressive field is going.

MicroRNAs: From Basics to Disease Biology is mainly intended for readers in the fields of molecular cell biology, genomics, biotechnology and molecular medicine. This book may be useful in more advanced graduate level courses. This book, which focuses on the concepts of microRNA biology, key implications in various forms of diseases, and applications in diagnostic and drug development, consists of thirty-eight chapters, grouped into six sections.