“Tiny slugs of RNA dismissed until five years ago as genetic detritus now look as though they may play an important role in the development of human cancer.

Already, “microRNA” molecules – which differ from ordinary messenger RNA in not carrying information for making proteins – are emerging as key gene switches regulating embryo development and cell replication. Now, three papers published this week in Nature provide the strongest evidence yet that mis-regulation of microRNAs might trigger development of cancers.” (New Scientist)