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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...

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)...

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

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[miRNAs and cancer].

¹Institut de génétique moléculaire de Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier cedex 05, France. philippe.jeanteur@igmm.cnrs.fr

Bulletin Du Cancer

|November 10, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small RNAs regulating gene expression, have a history predating their 1993 rediscovery. These molecules play a crucial role in gene regulation and are implicated in various diseases, including cancer.

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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biochemistry

Context:

The historical understanding of gene regulation has primarily focused on DNA's role.
Small regulatory RNAs, like microRNAs (miRNAs), have emerged as critical players in gene expression control.
The discovery and characterization of miRNAs have significantly advanced our understanding of biological processes.

Purpose:

To provide a historical perspective on the concept of microRNA (miRNA).
To highlight the 'rediscovery' and subsequent intense research into miRNAs since 1993.
To emphasize the significant role of miRNAs in gene expression regulation and their involvement in physiological and pathological conditions, particularly cancer.

Summary:

The concept of microRNAs (miRNAs) dates back 35 years to the identification of translational control RNAs (tcRNAs).
Although initially overlooked, miRNAs were rediscovered in 1993, sparking extensive research into their function, biosynthesis, and involvement in various biological processes.
miRNAs are crucial regulators of gene expression, impacting both physiological and pathological states, with notable implications in cancer development and progression.

Impact:

This review underscores the profound impact of RNA, specifically miRNAs, on gene expression regulation and dysregulation.
It challenges the traditional view of cancer's origins solely in DNA, highlighting the quantitative and qualitative control exerted by miRNAs.
The findings emphasize the need to consider miRNAs as key factors in understanding complex diseases and developing novel therapeutic strategies.