Expression and Function of MicroRNAs in Enamel Development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (~21nt), noncoding, and single-stranded RNAs that can negatively regulate gene expression by binding to 3’UTRs of target mRNAs sequence-specifically to affect their translation and/or stability. MiRNAs are involved in multiple developmental events in various tissues and organs. Such events include dental enamel development. This review focuses on the expression and functions of miRNAs regulated in enamel development. This study further discusses the possible participation of signaling pathways affected by miRNAs during stem cell proliferation or renewal, cell differentiation, and cusp patterning formation. Research on the enamel developmental process and miRNA regulation mechanisms can facilitate better understanding of clinical enamel malformation and provide potential therapeutic schemes.