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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 ends...

MicroRNAs

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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...

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

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Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

An Integrated Approach for Microprotein Identification and Sequence Analysis

An Integrated Approach for Microprotein Identification and Sequence Analysis

Published on: July 12, 2022

Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) noncoding ribonucleic acid: isoform structure, expression, and functions.

Xun Zhang¹, Kimberley Rice, Yingying Wang

¹Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.

|December 25, 2009

Summary

Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) noncoding RNA suppresses tumor growth by activating p53. Its specific RNA folding structure, not sequence, is crucial for these tumor-suppressing functions.

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Published on: August 2, 2024

Area of Science:

Genetics
Molecular Biology
RNA Biology

Background:

Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is a tumor suppressor gene highly expressed in the pituitary.
MEG3 expression is lost in pituitary tumors, where it normally inhibits growth and activates p53.
MEG3 encodes a large noncoding RNA with multiple isoforms generated by alternative splicing.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the structure-function relationship of MEG3 noncoding RNA.
To determine the role of RNA secondary structure in MEG3's tumor-suppressive functions.
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying MEG3's biological activity.

Main Methods:

Analysis of secondary RNA folding structures of 12 MEG3 isoforms using mfold.
Deletion analysis of MEG3 RNA secondary structure motifs.
Creation and functional testing of a hybrid MEG3 RNA with altered sequence but similar structure.

Main Results:

All MEG3 RNA isoforms possess three distinct secondary folding motifs (M1, M2, M3).
Motifs M2 and M3 are essential for p53 activation.
A hybrid MEG3 RNA with a similar secondary structure, but different sequence, retained p53 activation and growth suppression functions.

Conclusions:

The secondary structure of MEG3 noncoding RNA, rather than its specific sequence, is critical for its biological functions.
MEG3's tumor-suppressive activity is mediated through p53 activation, dependent on specific RNA folding motifs.
This study provides novel insights into the structure-function relationship of large noncoding RNAs and their mechanisms of action.