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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...

MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

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...

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the...

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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Preparation of Small RNA Libraries for Sequencing from Early Mouse Embryos

Preparation of Small RNA Libraries for Sequencing from Early Mouse Embryos

Published on: October 9, 2020

microRNAs as Developmental Regulators.

Kathryn N Ivey¹, Deepak Srivastava¹

¹Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Departments of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology

|July 3, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of cell development across most tissues. This research explores their complex roles, including feedback loops, in developmental processes, particularly in mouse models.

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Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play significant roles in gene regulation.
Their involvement in cellular functions and development is increasingly recognized.
Understanding miRNA-mediated regulation is key to comprehending complex biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in regulating cell and organ development.
To identify common and novel themes in miRNA-mediated developmental regulation.
To highlight the significance of feedback and feed-forward loops in miRNA function.

Main Methods:

Review and synthesis of current literature on miRNA biology and developmental roles.
Analysis of regulatory networks involving miRNAs in various cell types and organs.
Comparative analysis of miRNA functions across different model organisms, with a focus on mouse development.

Main Results:

miRNAs are ubiquitously involved in the development of most cells and organs.
miRNA regulatory mechanisms often involve distinct feedback and feed-forward loops.
Specific miRNAs and their targets vary across different organs, indicating tissue-specific roles.
Novel regulatory themes are emerging from studies on mouse development.

Conclusions:

MicroRNAs are fundamental regulators of development, influencing gene programs through intricate feedback and feed-forward mechanisms.
The study of miRNA biology reveals diverse and sophisticated strategies for controlling cellular and organismal development.
Continued research, especially in model organisms like mice, promises to uncover further complexities in miRNA-mediated developmental control.