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Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

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...
MicroRNAs01:22

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...
MicroRNAs01:22

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 Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Preparation of Small RNA Libraries for Sequencing from Early Mouse Embryos
08:37

Preparation of Small RNA Libraries for Sequencing from Early Mouse Embryos

Published on: October 9, 2020

MicroRNAs and developmental timing.

Victor Ambros1

  • 1UMass Medical School, Molecular Medicine, 373 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. victor.ambros@umassmed.edu

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|May 3, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs control developmental timing and cell differentiation in animals. Genetic studies in C. elegans revealed conserved microRNAs, like lin-4 and let-7, crucial for cell fate progression and development.

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Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression.
  • They play critical roles in temporal transitions during animal development.
  • Dysregulation of miRNAs is implicated in diseases like cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microRNAs in regulating developmental timing and cell fate.
  • To identify specific microRNAs involved in cell differentiation processes.
  • To understand the conserved functions of microRNAs across different animal species.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans.
  • Identification and characterization of evolutionarily conserved microRNAs.
  • Studying microRNA function in cell lineage progression and differentiation.

Main Results:

  • Two conserved microRNAs, lin-4/mir-125 and let-7, were identified as regulators of developmental timing.
  • These microRNAs control cell fate progression and differentiation in C. elegans.
  • Evidence suggests analogous functions in other animals, including mammals.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are essential for orchestrating developmental events by regulating cell fate.
  • They govern transitions between pluripotency and differentiation.
  • MicroRNAs have conserved roles in tissue homeostasis and disease, including cancer.