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Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Nanomanipulation of Single RNA Molecules by Optical Tweezers
Published on: August 20, 2014
Dicer-independent processing of small RNA duplexes: mechanistic insights and applications
Elena Herrera-Carrillo1, Ben Berkhout1
1Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in the regulation of cellular gene expression via the conserved RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. Biogenesis of the unusual miR-451 does not require Dicer. This molecule is instead processed by the Argonaute 2 (Ago2) enzyme. Similarly, unconventional short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules have been designed as miR-451 mimics that rely exclusively on Ago2 for maturation. We will review recent progress made in the understanding of this alternative processing route. Next, we describe different Dicer-independent shRNA designs that have been developed and discuss their therapeutic advantages and disadvantages. As an example, we will present the route towards development of a durable gene therapy against HIV-1.
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