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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...

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...

Translational Regulation

Translational Regulation

Translational regulation in prokaryotes ensures efficient protein synthesis by controlling ribosome access to mRNA. This regulation is mediated by secondary RNA structures, including translational riboswitches, RNA thermometers, and small RNAs (sRNAs), which respond to intracellular and environmental signals to modulate gene expression.Translational RiboswitchesRiboswitches in the leader region of mRNAs can regulate translation by altering the accessibility of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence,...

Types of RNA

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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

How do miRNAs mediate translational repression?

Shuo Gu¹, Mark A Kay

¹Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. markay@stanford.edu.

|May 13, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression through translational repression. This paper reconciles various molecular models of miRNA-mediated translational repression, proposing a unified model consistent with current data.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome

Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome

Published on: June 15, 2016

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Gene Regulation
Biochemistry

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression.
miRNAs primarily function by inhibiting gene expression through translational repression.
Multiple molecular models exist to explain miRNA-mediated translational repression.

Discussion:

Existing models for miRNA-mediated translational repression appear disparate.
This work explores potential explanations for conflicting interpretations of experimental data.
A unifying model is proposed to reconcile diverse observations.

Key Insights:

The relative contribution and overlap of miRNA regulatory mechanisms are under investigation.
Translational repression is a major mechanism by which miRNAs function.
A novel model integrates various findings on miRNA-mediated translational repression.

Outlook:

Further research is needed to fully elucidate miRNA regulatory networks.
Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for deciphering complex genetic networks.
The proposed model provides a framework for future experimental validation.