Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Primary Cell Cultures to Study the Regeneration Potential of Murine Müller Glia after MicroRNA Treatment
Published on: March 28, 2022
Potential mechanisms of microRNA mobility
Heiko Lemcke1,2, Robert David1,2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
Abstract:
microRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic modulators of gene expression that control cellular physiology as well as tissue homeostasis, and development. In addition to the temporal aspects of miRNA-mediated gene regulation, the intracellular localization of miRNA is crucial for its silencing activity. Recent studies indicated that miRNA is even translocated between cells via gap junctional cell-cell contacts, allowing spatiotemporal modulation of gene expression within multicellular systems. Although non coding RNA remains a focus of intense research, studies regarding the intra-and intercellular mobility of small RNAs are still largely missing. Emerging data from experimental and computational work suggest the involvement of transport mechanisms governing proper localization of miRNA in single cells and cellular syncytia. Based on these data, we discuss a model of miRNA translocation that could help to address the spatial aspects of miRNA function and the impact of miRNA molecules on the intercellular signaling network.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
Potential Energy
Chemical bonds that form attractive forces between atoms also contain potential energy, called chemical energy. When a chemical reaction...
Standard Electrode Potentials
Cell Potential and Free Energy
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics dealing with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. In an electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Thus, a link can be predicted between cell potential, free energy change, and the equilibrium constant for the reaction. Cell potential can also be measured as the oxidant or the reducing strength, and similar acid-base strength measures are reflected in equilibrium...
The Resting Membrane Potential

