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MicroRNAs

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...

MicroRNAs

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...

MicroRNAs

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...

Master Transcription Regulators

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

Regulation 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...

Cellular Differentiation

Cellular Differentiation

How does a complex organism such as a human develop from a single cell? It all starts from a single fertilized egg which gives rise to a vast array of cell types, such as nerve cells, muscle cells, and epithelial cells that characterize the adult? Throughout development and adulthood, cellular differentiation leads cells to assume their final morphology and physiology. Differentiation is the process by which unspecialized cells become specialized to carry out distinct functions.
A zygote is a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Human iPS Cells, Retinal Pigment Epithelium Derived From iPS, and Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium

MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Human iPS Cells, Retinal Pigment Epithelium Derived From iPS, and Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Published on: June 24, 2014

MicroRNA in cell differentiation and development.

Yi Shi¹, YouXin Jin

¹State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.

Science in China. Series C, Life Sciences

|March 19, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are crucial for animal development and cell differentiation. Understanding miRNA functions reveals their role in development and potential links to human diseases.

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A Reporter Assay to Analyze Intronic microRNA Maturation in Mammalian Cells

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Human iPS Cells, Retinal Pigment Epithelium Derived From iPS, and Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium

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A Reporter Assay to Analyze Intronic microRNA Maturation in Mammalian Cells

A Reporter Assay to Analyze Intronic microRNA Maturation in Mammalian Cells

Published on: June 16, 2022

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Developmental Biology

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a recently identified mechanism for gene expression regulation in both plants and animals.
These small non-coding RNAs play significant roles in various biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent discoveries concerning the functions of microRNAs in cellular differentiation and overall development.
To highlight the importance of miRNAs as key regulators in animal development.

Main Methods:

Analysis of genetic deletions of individual miRNAs in mammals.
Review of recent scientific literature on miRNA functions.

Main Results:

MicroRNAs are implicated in diverse developmental processes, including embryonic, neuronal, muscle, and lymphocyte development.
Studies demonstrate that miRNAs are essential regulators in animal development.

Conclusions:

MicroRNAs are critical regulators of cell differentiation and animal development.
Dysregulation of miRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of various human diseases.