MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that function as endogenous triggers of the RNA interference pathway. Originally discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans, this group of tiny RNAs has moved to the forefront of biology. With over 300 miRNA genes identified in the human genome, and a plethora of predicted mRNA targets, it is believed that these small RNAs have a central role in diver...

Realization that the transforming oncogenes (v-onc) of the acutely oncogenic retroviruses are homologous to cellular genes (and were probably derived from them) brought several areas of research together with exciting prospects for advances in virology, carcinogenesis, evolution and development. The proto-oncogenes (c-onc) are likely to be crucially involved in growth regulation and/or differen...

is the founding member of the Rab small GTPase family, which is well known to mediate membrane trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus [1]. It is a highly conserved protein with two different isoforms, Rab1A and Rab1B in mammals, and predominantly localized on the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus. The ER-Golgi membrane system is increasin...

From the Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics and the Human Cancer Genetics Program, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus. Address reprint requests to Dr. Croce at the Human Cancer Genetics Program and Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, Ohio State University Medical Center, 385L Wiseman Hall, 400 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH...

Pituitary tumors are common monoclonal neoplasms which cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Several molecular events underlying pituitary tumorigenesis have been elucidated in recent years, but no tumor marker has clearly emerged which assists clinical and therapeutic decisions. Activating mutations and loss of inactivating mutations, together with hypothalamic hormones, circulating horm...

Less than a decade ago the first retroviral oncogene was discovered [1] and shown to derive from a normal cellular gene [2]. To date over 20 different retroviral oncogenes have been found, all derived from cellular counterparts. How a single oncogene can cause cancer is still not fully understood. Natural cancers are known to involve multistep molecular changes, raising a paradox, as compared t...