ncRNAs in development and disease

Non-coding RNAs have emerged as major players for gene regulation in mammalian development and disease. We have characterized the functional importance of miRNAs and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer biology, cilia biology and stem cell biology. Our recent effort has been focused on a family of miRNAs that regulate ciliogenesis and mucus production in multiple tissue types. By studying these miRNAs, we have revealed new ciliary ultrastructure, cilia function and cilia dynamics in choroid plexus and in airway epithelia. These findings allow us to elucidate the molecular regulation of cerebral spinal fluid production and circulation, which have profound impact on brain injury and neurodegeneration.