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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 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...

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...

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PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...

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RNA Interference

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation

mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation

Published on: May 1, 2021

microRNA Biogenesis and Function : An overview.

René F Ketting¹

¹Hubrecht Institute-kNAW and University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584, CT Utrecht, the Netherlands, r.ketting@hubrecht.eu.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|July 15, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

RNA interference (RNAi), discovered in 1998, revealed a novel gene regulation mechanism conserved across evolution. This RNA silencing field, involving small RNAs and Argonaute proteins, underpins microRNA-mediated gene silencing.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biochemistry

Background:

The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) in 1998 revolutionized gene regulation understanding.
Initially observed as peculiar in plants and C. elegans, RNAi mechanisms are now recognized as deeply conserved across evolution.
RNA silencing encompasses phenomena mediated by small RNAs interacting with Argonaute proteins to target RNA/DNA molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a historical overview of microRNA biogenesis and function.
To explain the fundamental processes of RNA silencing.
To offer a general understanding of microRNA-mediated gene silencing.

Main Methods:

Review of landmark discoveries in RNA interference.
Analysis of conserved gene silencing mechanisms.
Historical framework of microRNA research.

Main Results:

Identification of small RNAs and Argonaute proteins as key components of RNA silencing.
Elucidation of microRNA-mediated gene silencing as a major RNA silencing pathway.
Demonstration of the evolutionary conservation of RNA silencing pathways.

Conclusions:

RNA silencing, initiated by RNAi, represents a fundamental and conserved mode of gene regulation.
MicroRNA-mediated gene silencing is a critical biological process with significant implications.
This overview provides a foundation for understanding microRNA biogenesis and function.