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Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
RNA Interference01:23

RNA Interference

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...
piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...

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mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation
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mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation

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The Microprocessor complex mediates the genesis of microRNAs.

Richard I Gregory1, Kai-Ping Yan, Govindasamy Amuthan

  • 1The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

Nature
|November 9, 2004
PubMed
Summary

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression. Researchers identified the Microprocessor complex, containing Drosha and DGCR8, as essential for miRNA biogenesis from primary transcripts.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding regulatory RNAs controlling gene expression.
  • miRNAs play crucial roles in diverse biological processes, including cell death, proliferation, and development.
  • The precise mechanisms of miRNA biogenesis are under active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the protein complexes involved in human miRNA processing.
  • To identify the key components responsible for generating miRNAs from primary transcripts.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical analysis of Drosha-containing protein complexes.
  • In vivo knock-down studies.
  • In vitro reconstitution assays.

Main Results:

  • Human Drosha is part of two distinct multi-protein complexes.
  • A smaller complex, termed Microprocessor, consists of Drosha and DGCR8.
  • Both Drosha and DGCR8 are necessary and sufficient for miRNA genesis from primary miRNA transcripts.

Conclusions:

  • The Microprocessor complex is the core machinery for initiating miRNA biogenesis.
  • This finding provides critical insights into the fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation by miRNAs.