microRNA expression in erythropoiesis and erythroid disorders.

MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of small (c. 22 nt) naturally occurring non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through binding to the un-translated region of target mRNA. MicroRNAs play key roles in many cellular pathways including haematopoiesis and aberrant expression is a common feature of haematological malignancies. Whilst other areas of haematopoiesis have been extensively reviewed the involvement of microRNAs in red cell production (erythropoiesis) and disorders of this pathway is lacking. In this review the rapidly accumulating evidence that points to the major role microRNAs play in both erythropoiesis and erythroid disorders is discussed.