microRNAs: Key Players in Hematopoiesis

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small length noncoding RNAs which play a key role in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and development of lineage hematopoietic cells and matured blood cells. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been reported in several hematopoietic disorders. The involvement of miRNAs in regulation of various signaling pathways has been shown in hematopoietic disorders. Along with regulatory role, miRNAs are also proven as diagnostic and prognostic markers for these malignancies. Recent studies are evidenced that the miRNA are key regulators of hematopoietic disorders and progression of these disorders shows the importance of targeting the aberrant expression of miRNAs as new therapeutic interventions. The present chapter provides overview of the art related to the importance of miRNAs in developmental hematopoiesis and pathogenesis of hematopoietic disorders including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, multiple myelomas, and B cell lymphomas.

Keywords: B cell lymphomas; Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Chronic myelogenous leukemia; Hematopoietic disorders; Multiple myelomas; miRNA.