The role of microRNAs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

2 Abstract MicroRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) are recently discovered molecules (19-25 nucleotides long) that regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level by either blocking protein synthesis or mRNA degradation. As a part of gene silencing mechanism, miRNAs are involved in cellular processes, such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, development and viral defence. miRNAs have been intensely studied in connection to disease pathogenesis. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in Western countries affecting mostly elderly people. In my work I focus on explanation of miRNA functions and their contributions to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). I describe previously published data about miRNA-15, miRNA-16, miRNA-143, miRNA-145 and miRNA-155 in connection to this disease. Based on recent reports, I also discuss the potential role of miRNA-326 in CLL pathogenesis