Micro RNA
A possible contribution that Kornbergs work could make to an up and coming area of biological research is the area of microRNA (miRNA) research. miRNA are small RNA molecules that are highly conserved and play a role in the regulation of expression of genes4. miRNA’s regulate gene expression by binding to the 3’-untranslated regions of mRNA’s. Hundreds of these miRNA’s are predicted to be present in higher eukaryotes5. Evidence has been provided that miRNA’s are involved in processes from early development to apoptosis to cancer and even viral infection.
Now that the structure and mechanism of Pol II are better understood scientist's can combine their research with that of Kornberg's work and gain a more specfic understanding of the role that miRNA plays in the cell. Once miRNA and its role in the above mentioned sicknesses and biological processes are better understood miRNA could be possibly used for therapuetic purposes, possible targets for disease treatments and other areas of research.