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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...

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...

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...

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 14, 2026

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

Published on: February 6, 2017

MicroRNA-mediated gene silencing.

Cara T Pager¹, Karen A Wehner, Gabriele Fuchs

¹Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA.

Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science

|April 9, 2010

Summary

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and are implicated in viral diseases. Inhibiting microRNA miR-122 shows promise for treating hepatitis C virus infection.

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Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells

Published on: September 28, 2011

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

Published on: February 6, 2017

Biotin-based Pulldown Assay to Validate mRNA Targets of Cellular miRNAs

Biotin-based Pulldown Assay to Validate mRNA Targets of Cellular miRNAs

Published on: June 12, 2018

Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells

Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells

Published on: September 28, 2011

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Virology

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression posttranscriptionally.
They are encoded by numerous genes and target a significant portion of cellular mRNAs.
Viral interactions with miRNAs offer insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the history, biogenesis, and regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs.
To explore the role of microRNAs in viral infections.
To summarize the therapeutic potential of microRNA inhibitors, specifically for hepatitis C virus.

Main Methods:

Literature review of microRNA research.
Discussion of microRNA biogenesis and function.
Summary of studies on microRNA-122 inhibitors in hepatitis C virus treatment.

Main Results:

MicroRNA biogenesis is understood, but target gene regulation mechanisms are debated.
Viruses can encode or manipulate host microRNAs, impacting disease.
Inhibitors of microRNA miR-122 are being investigated for hepatitis C treatment.

Conclusions:

MicroRNAs are crucial regulators with implications in viral pathogenesis.
Targeting microRNAs, like miR-122, presents a novel approach for antiviral gene therapy.
Further research into microRNA mechanisms and therapeutic applications is warranted.