Rosetta Genomics Identifies Hundreds of Novel Human microRNAs, Study
Published in Nature Genetics Shows

- Novel approach identifies 89 novel new human microRNAs, nearly
doubling the number of human microRNAs sequenced to date, and
predicts number exceeds 800.
- First report of large number of primate specific microRNA,
postulated to play an important role in differentiation and
evolution.

REHOVOT, Israel, In a study published online this week and to be
published as a cover story in the July issue of Nature Genetics,
Rosetta Genomics' scientists report identification of hundreds of
human microRNA genes, including the first report of primate specific
microRNAs. Using a novel methodology, the researchers successfully
cloned and sequenced 89 human microRNAs, nearly doubling the number
sequenced in man to date.
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of tiny regulatory genes,
comprised in the 98% of the genome that does not encode proteins,
which until recently were considered 'Junk DNA'. Numerous recent
studies have shown microRNA genes, far from being 'junk', are in
fact of central importance, regulating at least 30% of all proteins,
and involved in a wide range of diseases, including diabetes,
obesity, viral diseases, and various types of cancer.

"The finding of large numbers of primate specific microRNAs is
exciting because it supports the notion that microRNAs may indeed
play an important role in the evolution of complexity of higher
organisms," said Aaron Ciechanover, Nobel prize laureate 2004, and
Chairman of Rosetta Genomics' Scientific Advisory Board. "We believe
that these genes may serve as an important basis for next generation
diagnostics and therapeutics."

"We are extremely pleased to report our success in nearly doubling
the number of human microRNAs sequenced to date, results which we
believe establish Rosetta Genomics as a leading player in discovery
of microRNA genes," said Isaac Bentwich MD, founder and chairman of
Rosetta Genomics and lead investigator of the study. "We are now
aggressively pursuing partnerships for development of diagnostics
and therapeutics based on this huge group of novel microRNAs."

About microRNAs

MicroRNAs are a recently discovered group of non-protein-coding
regulatory genes, shown to be involved in a wide range of diseases
in addition to neuronal and stem-cell differentiation. MicroRNAs
currently are an intensely researched area, and are believed
potentially to be the basis for a new class of therapeutic and
diagnostic products.

About Rosetta Genomics

Rosetta Genomics is a privately held genomics company, pioneering
the discovery and commercialization of microRNAs - a novel group of
regulatory genes, shown to be involved in a wide range of diseases
including diabetes, obesity and various types of cancer. Rosetta has
discovered and filed patents for the majority of microRNAs found to
date, and is in the process of developing diagnostics and
therapeutics based on these microRNAs, by both internal development
and collaborative partnerships.

Rachel Spielman Sharon Kaspi
Ruder Finn Rosetta Genomics Media Relations
Tel +1 212 583 2714 Tel +1 201 255 5900
Mobile +1 646 872 2985 Mobile +1 201 255 5914
spielmanr@ruderfinn.com sharon@rosettagenomics.com

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Source: Rosetta Genomics

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