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Related Concept Videos

Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

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RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
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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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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...
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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.
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During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA.  Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R...
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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 17, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

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Cytomegalovirus microRNAs.

Lars Dölken1, Sébastien Pfeffer, Ulrich H Koszinowski

  • 1Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Virologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Pettenkoferstr. 9a, 80336, München, Germany. doelken@mvp.uni-muenchen.de

Virus Genes
|March 18, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Viral microRNAs (miRNAs) offer new antiviral drug targets. This review examines cytomegalovirus (CMV) miRNAs in humans and animals, highlighting conserved roles and potential therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • Viruses, including herpesviruses, utilize miRNAs to control viral and host gene expression.
  • Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes significant morbidity in immunocompromised individuals and is a leading cause of congenital defects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on viral miRNAs expressed by cytomegaloviruses (CMVs).
  • To discuss CMV miRNAs from human, chimpanzee, and murine models.
  • To highlight conserved roles of viral miRNAs across different viruses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on viral miRNAs.
  • Comparative analysis of miRNAs from human, chimpanzee, and murine cytomegaloviruses.

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  • Contextualization of findings with other viral miRNA studies.

    • Main Results:

    • Cytomegaloviruses express a range of unique miRNAs.
    • Viral miRNAs play crucial roles in regulating viral replication and host immune responses.
    • Evidence suggests conserved functions for certain viral miRNAs across different CMV species.

    Conclusions:

    • HCMV-encoded miRNAs represent promising targets for novel antiviral therapies.
    • Understanding viral miRNA functions can inform the development of new therapeutic strategies against CMV infections.
    • Further research into conserved viral miRNA roles may reveal broader therapeutic potential.