Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
08:40
Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
Gene regulation by microRNAs
1Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, 2205 Tech Drive, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. r-carthew@northwestern.edu
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|March 1, 2006
Summary
MicroRNAs are small RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, influencing cellular activities like development and differentiation. They are key mediators in cell-cell signaling and gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Small RNAs, particularly microRNAs, are established regulators of mRNA turnover and translation.
- MicroRNAs play critical roles in animal development and physiological processes.
- Cellular activities including proliferation, morphogenesis, apoptosis, and differentiation are influenced by microRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the regulatory roles of microRNAs in gene expression.
- To emphasize the involvement of microRNAs in cell-cell signaling and fate decisions.
- To elucidate the post-transcriptional mechanisms of microRNA-mediated gene silencing.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in microRNA research.
- Analysis of microRNA involvement in cellular activities and gene regulation.
- Examination of microRNA feedback loops with protein factors.
- Investigation of post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanisms.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs regulate gene expression by influencing mRNA stability, compartmentalization, and translation.
- MicroRNAs are crucial mediators of gene regulation in response to cell-cell signaling.
- Reciprocal negative feedback loops between microRNAs and protein factors control cell fate decisions.
- MicroRNAs are essential for regulating diverse cellular activities and protein production.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are vital regulators of gene expression with significant roles in animal development and physiology.
- The post-transcriptional silencing mechanism employed by microRNAs provides an efficient way to control protein production.
- MicroRNAs are key players in signal transduction pathways and cell fate determination.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...