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Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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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...
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MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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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...
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MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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RNA Interference01:23

RNA Interference

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RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
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piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

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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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Experimental RNAi02:15

Experimental RNAi

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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 28, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method

Published on: October 7, 2025

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microRNA in Human Reproduction.

Iris Eisenberg1, Noora Kotaja2, Debra Goldman-Wohl1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Magda and Richard Hoffman Center for Human Placenta Research, Hadassah Mt. Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|December 15, 2015
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Summary

MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs crucial for gene regulation in human reproduction. Their roles in ovarian function, male fertility, and placental development are increasingly recognized.

Keywords:
BiomarkersCorpus luteumOvulationPlacentaSpermatogenesis

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Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells
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Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells

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A Complete Pipeline for Isolating and Sequencing MicroRNAs, and Analyzing Them Using Open Source Tools
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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
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Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells
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A Complete Pipeline for Isolating and Sequencing MicroRNAs, and Analyzing Them Using Open Source Tools
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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~21-nucleotide noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • Their function in the human reproductive system is a recent area of investigation.
  • miRNAs are stable in body fluids, suggesting potential diagnostic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on microRNAs in human gonadal cells.
  • To highlight miRNA roles in ovarian physiology, ovulation dysfunction, and spermatogenesis.
  • To explore miRNA involvement in trophoblast differentiation and placentation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of microRNA research in human reproduction.
  • Focus on studies involving gonadal cells and reproductive processes.
  • Analysis of miRNA involvement in fertility and embryonic development.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs are vital for oocyte maturation, folliculogenesis, and early embryonic development.
  • Disruption of miRNA processing (e.g., Dicer knockout) causes embryonic lethality.
  • Specific miRNAs are implicated in male fertility and placental development.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are essential regulators of human reproductive functions.
  • Further research into miRNAs offers potential for understanding and treating infertility.
  • Stable circulating miRNAs may serve as biomarkers for reproductive health.