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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...

Microbial Corrosion

Microbial Corrosion

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 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

Published on: October 7, 2025

Environmental chemicals and microRNAs.

Lifang Hou¹, Dong Wang, Andrea Baccarelli

¹Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. l-hou@northwestern.edu

Mutation Research

|May 26, 2011

Summary

Environmental chemicals, including heavy metals and air pollution, can alter microRNA (miRNA) gene regulation. Understanding these environmental impacts on miRNAs is key to identifying biomarkers for disease.

Area of Science:

Environmental health
Molecular biology
Toxicology

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression.
Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to various diseases.
Environmental exposures may disrupt normal miRNA function.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the impact of environmental chemicals on miRNA expression.
To explore potential mechanisms linking chemical exposure to miRNA alterations.
To discuss challenges and future directions in environmental-miRNA research.

Main Methods:

Literature review of published data on miRNAs and environmental chemical exposures.
Analysis of potential mechanisms of interaction.
Discussion of research challenges and future prospects.

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Biotin-based Pulldown Assay to Validate mRNA Targets of Cellular miRNAs

Biotin-based Pulldown Assay to Validate mRNA Targets of Cellular miRNAs

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Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Published on: September 15, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 1, 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

Published on: October 7, 2025

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

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Published on: September 15, 2018

Main Results:

Growing evidence suggests environmental chemicals (e.g., heavy metals, air pollution, BPA, smoking) affect miRNA expression.
Potential mechanisms linking environmental chemicals to miRNA alterations are discussed.
miRNAs show promise as biomarkers for environmental diseases.

Conclusions:

Environmental chemical exposures can significantly alter miRNA-mediated gene regulation.
Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and overcome challenges in environmental-miRNA studies.
miRNAs hold potential as biomarkers for understanding and diagnosing environmentally influenced diseases.