Small RNAs are involved in the regulation of gene expression. During a hunt for microRNAs in the simple chordate Ciona intestinalis, a distinct class of small RNAs, offset from the microRNA expressed from a given hairpin, have been defined. These offset small RNAs are expressed in relative abundance in C. intestinalis and are also detected at specific developmental stages. Although their function is unclear, these results suggest that microRNA processing has distinct properties in this simple organism.
- Weiyang Shi
- David Hendrix
- Benjamin Haley
