MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules with around 22 nucleotides that are unable to encode proteins and play a key role on post-transcription regulation process. Several studies have demonstrated the relevant role of miRNAs on the regulation of embryonic development on different species, from the control of gene expression during the early embryo development to determination of cellular lineages over the organogenesis. This review will present the miRNAs and its role on reproductive biology focusing on the mammalian embryo development.
microRNA; gene expression; gene silencing; embryo development; mammalian
