MicroRNAs in Embryonic Stem Cells

The unique properties of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to self-renew indefinitely or to differentiate to any cell type have great potential for clinical applications in regenerative medicine. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression and have been implicated as crucial elements in regulating ESCs. Here, we review recent progresses in characterizing the role of m RNAs in the maintenance and development of ESCs.