Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

10:40
CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis
Published on: April 25, 2022
2.5K
MicroRNAs - Biology and clinical applications
Kannan Ranganathan1, Vaishnavi Sivasankar1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Uthandi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology : JOMFP
|October 21, 2014
Summary
MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by silencing genes. These critical molecules play vital roles in cell development and are implicated in diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved, small non-coding RNA molecules (19-25 nucleotides).
- Initially disregarded as non-functional, miRNAs are now recognized as key gene regulators.
- They primarily function by silencing gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the fundamental role of microRNAs in biological processes.
- To highlight the significance of microRNAs in both normal cellular functions and disease states.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of miRNA sequences.
- Experimental validation of miRNA-mediated gene silencing.
- Comparative genomics to assess evolutionary conservation.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the conserved nature and small size of microRNAs.
- Demonstrated the primary function of miRNAs in gene silencing.
- Established the critical role of miRNAs in cellular physiology and development.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are essential regulators of gene expression.
- Dysregulation of microRNAs is linked to various pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
3.0K
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...
3.0K
MicroRNAs
20.6K
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...
20.6K
MicroRNAs
9.7K
9.7K
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
13.3K
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...
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...
13.3K
Experimental RNAi
6.5K
RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
6.5K
piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs
6.0K
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...
6.0K

