definition of miRNA family - (Nov/25/2008 )

Dear All,

Apologies, if I'm wrong with this: It seems to me that "microRNA family" has no precise definition. Actually, I hope I'm wrong.

Could you please suggest sources where I can find a precise description based on which it is possible to decide for any two microRNAs from the same species whether they belong to the same family or not.

Thanks.

microRNA family classification is based on the Rfam database (check the original paper on Rfam). The basic idea behind family classification is that each family represens sequences that have evolved from a common ancestor.