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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

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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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Experimental RNAi02:15

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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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Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

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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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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.
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CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis
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Circulating plant miRNAs can regulate human gene expression in vitro.

Chiara Pastrello1, Mike Tsay1, Rosanne McQuaid2,3

  • 1IBM Life Sciences Discovery Centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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|September 9, 2016
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Plant-derived microRNAs from broccoli are found in human blood and can regulate human gene expression, suggesting a new mechanism for broccoli's cancer-preventive effects.

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Area of Science:

  • Nutrigenomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Brassica oleracea vegetables are associated with cancer prevention, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
  • The role of cross-species microRNAs in regulating gene expression and their connection to cancer suppression is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and function of plant microRNAs in humans.
  • To explore the potential role of these microRNAs in the cancer-preventive properties of broccoli.

Main Methods:

  • Confirmation of plant microRNAs in human blood using nutrigenomics and a randomized controlled trial.
  • In vitro experiments to demonstrate the regulation of human gene and protein expression by Brassica microRNAs.
  • Analysis of the synergistic effects of microRNAs and other Brassica compounds.

Main Results:

  • Plant microRNAs were detected in human blood, with higher levels correlating positively with increased daily broccoli consumption.
  • Brassica microRNAs were shown to regulate human gene and protein expression in vitro.
  • Evidence suggests microRNAs work with other Brassica compounds in a potential cancer-preventive mechanism.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides strong evidence for plant microRNAs in human circulation and their functional role.
  • A multimodal mechanism for broccoli's cancer-preventive effects involving microRNAs and other compounds is proposed.