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Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

24.4K
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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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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siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

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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...
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Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Combining Optogenetics with Artificial microRNAs to Characterize the Effects of Gene Knockdown on Presynaptic Function within Intact Neuronal Circuits
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miRNAs in synapse development and synaptic plasticity.

Zhonghua Hu1, Zheng Li2

  • 1Section on Synapse Development and Plasticity, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States; Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, United States.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|March 24, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial for regulating gene expression in the nervous system. This review explores how these small RNAs control synapse development and plasticity by modulating protein synthesis at neuronal connections.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Synapses are fundamental for neuronal communication and information transfer in the nervous system.
  • Synapse development and activity-dependent modifications necessitate precise control over gene expression.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, influencing mRNA stability and translation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical roles of miRNAs in the development of synapses.
  • To examine the involvement of miRNAs in synaptic plasticity.
  • To highlight how miRNAs regulate local protein synthesis at neuronal processes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on miRNA function in the nervous system.
  • Analysis of miRNA mechanisms, including interaction with mRNA 3' UTRs.
  • Examination of activity-dependent regulation of miRNA expression in neurons.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs are essential for regulating gene expression critical for synapse formation and function.
  • Local synthesis of proteins, controlled by miRNAs in neuronal processes, is vital for synaptic plasticity.
  • Synaptic activity dynamically regulates the expression of miRNAs, influencing neuronal function.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs play indispensable roles in both synapse development and synaptic plasticity.
  • Understanding miRNA regulation provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory.
  • Targeting miRNAs may offer future therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.