Noncoding RNA regulatory networks

The precise control of mRNA and protein levels in a cell depends on distinct factors interacting in a concerted fashion. Such a combination of factors and interactions is known as a gene regulatory network. miRNAs have well-established roles in gene regulatory networks, often participating in feedback and feedforward loops with transcription factors. The discovery that miRNAs can also cooperate with lncRNAs and circRNAs to form an entirely post-transcriptional regulatory network has interesting temporal and perhaps spatial implications. The Kleaveland lab uses computational, biochemical, and genetic approaches to understand the logic and biological importance of the Cyrano–miR-7–Cdr1as network (depicted above), as well as other ncRNA networks.