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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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The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms  a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
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RNA Interference01:23

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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.
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siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

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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.
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piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

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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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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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mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation
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A Structural View of miRNA Biogenesis and Function.

Ana Lúcia Leitão1, Francisco J Enguita2

  • 1MEtRICs, Department of Sciences and Technology of Biomass, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.

Non-Coding RNA
|February 24, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are vital in biological processes. Structural biology methods, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, are crucial for understanding miRNA biogenesis and function in health and disease.

Keywords:
ArgonauteDGCR8DicerDroshaExportin-5RISCX-ray crystallographybiogenesiscryo-electron microscopymicroRNAnucleasestructural biology

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional gene regulators discovered in 1993.
  • Their involvement spans critical biological processes, making them a focus of extensive research.
  • miRNAs originate from dedicated transcriptional units processed by specific endonucleases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the application of structural biology techniques in understanding miRNA biogenesis.
  • To characterize the molecular players, including processors and effectors, involved in miRNA pathways.
  • To highlight the progression from X-ray crystallography to cryo-electron microscopy in miRNA research.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray crystallography
  • Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)
  • Structural biology approaches

Main Results:

  • Structural biology provides essential insights into miRNA biogenesis mechanisms.
  • Detailed characterization of miRNA processors and effectors has been achieved.
  • Advancements in cryo-EM offer unprecedented resolution for studying miRNA complexes.

Conclusions:

  • Structural biology is indispensable for dissecting miRNA roles in cell biology and disease.
  • Understanding miRNA molecular machinery is crucial for therapeutic development.
  • The evolution of structural methods continues to advance miRNA research.