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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...

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...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 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

Interferons and microRNAs.

Michael David¹

¹Division of Biological Sciences, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0322, USA. midavid@ucsd.edu

Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research : the Official Journal of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research

|October 14, 2010

Summary

Mammals utilize interferon (IFN) systems and microRNAs for antiviral defense against viruses. Viruses, however, encode their own microRNAs to disrupt these crucial host immune responses.

Area of Science:

Virology
Immunology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Plants use RNA interference for antiviral defense.
Mammals employ adaptive immunity (antibodies, lymphocytes) and innate immunity (interferons) against viral infections.
Interferon-regulated microRNAs are key components of mammalian antiviral innate immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of microRNAs in mammalian antiviral defense.
To investigate how viruses counteract host antiviral mechanisms using their own microRNAs.

Main Methods:

Analysis of RNA interference pathways in plants and mammals.
Investigation of interferon (IFN) system function in antiviral immunity.
Study of virus-encoded microRNAs and their targets in host cells.

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MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

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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

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

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 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

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism

Published on: February 6, 2017

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

Main Results:

Cellular microRNAs, regulated by interferons, contribute to mammalian antiviral defense.
Virus-encoded microRNAs target host factors essential for interferon induction and response.
This highlights a molecular battleground where viruses subvert host defenses.

Conclusions:

The interferon system is central to mammalian innate antiviral immunity.
MicroRNAs play a dual role: host-derived microRNAs aid defense, while viral microRNAs aid infection.
Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.