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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...
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A Complete Pipeline for Isolating and Sequencing MicroRNAs, and Analyzing Them Using Open Source Tools
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Published on: August 21, 2019

Processing of primary microRNAs by the Microprocessor complex.

Ahmet M Denli1, Bastiaan B J Tops, Ronald H A Plasterk

  • 1Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Watson School of Biological Sciences, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA.

Nature
|November 9, 2004
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The Microprocessor complex, containing Drosha and Pasha, is crucial for microRNA (miRNA) maturation. Pasha

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression.
  • Mature miRNAs are processed from primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) through a two-step pathway.
  • Drosha, an RNase III nuclease, initiates pri-miRNA processing in the nucleus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protein components of the Drosha-containing Microprocessor complex.
  • To elucidate the role of Pasha (partner of Drosha) in miRNA biogenesis and function.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical characterization of the Microprocessor complex.
  • Functional studies involving suppression of Pasha expression in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans.
  • Analysis of pri-miRNA and mature miRNA levels.
  • Reporter assays and phenotypic analysis in C. elegans.

Main Results:

  • Drosha functions as part of a multiprotein complex, the Microprocessor.
  • Pasha, a double-stranded RNA binding protein, is a component of the Microprocessor complex.
  • Pasha depletion or mutation impairs pri-miRNA processing, reduces mature miRNA levels, and affects gene regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Pasha plays a critical role in miRNA maturation.
  • The Microprocessor complex, including Pasha, is essential for miRNA-mediated gene regulation.
  • Pasha's function in miRNA biogenesis is conserved across species.