Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
09:06
MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
MicroRNAs: synthesis, mechanism, function, and recent clinical trials
Fazli Wahid1, Adeeb Shehzad, Taous Khan
1School of life Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Taegu, Korea.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|July 13, 2010
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small RNAs regulating genes, are crucial in plants and animals. This review covers miRNA synthesis, function, and therapeutic potential, including ongoing clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs (21-25 nucleotides) regulating gene expression in animals and plants.
- They function by targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for degradation or translational repression.
- miRNA-mediated gene regulation is increasingly recognized for its role in disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on miRNA synthesis and regulatory mechanisms in animals and plants.
- To review the diverse biological functions of miRNAs across species.
- To provide an overview of the current status of miRNA-based therapeutics and clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific advances in miRNA research.
- Synthesis of information on miRNA biogenesis and genomic regulation.
- Compilation of data on preclinical and clinical studies of miRNA therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Detailed explanation of miRNA synthesis pathways and genome regulation mechanisms.
- Elucidation of the widespread roles of miRNAs in various biological processes.
- Summary of ongoing preclinical and clinical trials for miRNA-based treatments.
Conclusions:
- miRNA research has significantly advanced our understanding of small RNA biology.
- miRNA-based therapeutics show promise and are progressing through clinical trials.
- Further research may unlock new dimensions in small RNA biology and therapeutic applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
01:22MicroRNAs
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...
02:15Experimental 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...
02:30siRNA - 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...
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...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.