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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 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...

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...

Experimental RNAi

Experimental RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

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...

RNA Interference

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation

mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation

Published on: May 1, 2021

MicroRNAs: biogenesis, function and applications.

Jia Hui Chua¹, Arunmozhiarasi Armugam, Kandiah Jeyaseelan

¹National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore.

Current Opinion in Molecular Therapeutics

|March 31, 2009

Summary

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Their discovery has opened new avenues in RNomics for therapeutic development targeting diseases caused by abnormal gene regulation.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biochemistry

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding small RNAs (19-21 nucleotides).
miRNAs regulate gene expression through RNA interference (RNAi) or RNA activation, affecting transcription or translation.
The field of RNomics studies RNA population differences, emerging from miRNA discoveries.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the developments in microRNA research.
To explore the therapeutic potential of miRNAs.

Main Methods:

Literature review of microRNA research and applications.
Analysis of miRNA biogenesis and regulatory mechanisms.
Examination of RNomics principles and advancements.

Main Results:

miRNAs play a crucial role in gene silencing and activation.
RNomics offers insights into gene regulation and disease mechanisms.
miRNAs show significant potential as therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

MicroRNAs are key regulators of gene expression with broad biological implications.
Advancements in RNomics provide a framework for understanding and correcting aberrant gene expression.
miRNAs represent a promising frontier for novel therapeutic strategies in various diseases.