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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...
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RNA Interference01:23

RNA Interference

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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.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
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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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piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

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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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Experimental RNAi02:15

Experimental RNAi

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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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lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

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In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
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mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation
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microRNAs in action: biogenesis, function and regulation.

Renfu Shang1, Seungjae Lee1, Gayan Senavirathne1

  • 1Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA.

Nature Reviews. Genetics
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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs. Recent advances reveal new insights into miRNA biogenesis, function, and regulation, highlighting future research directions in this field.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a significant class of small regulatory RNAs.
  • Over 20 years of research have elucidated core aspects of miRNA biology.
  • Ongoing investigations continue to reveal intricate details of miRNA mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on miRNA biogenesis, function, and regulation.
  • To highlight recent technological advancements driving miRNA research.
  • To identify key challenges and future research directions in the miRNA field.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of insights gained from advanced technologies.
  • Synthesis of current understanding in miRNA research.

Main Results:

  • Fundamental information on miRNA structural and molecular dynamics has been uncovered.
  • Mechanisms of miRNA substrate/target selection and regulation are being elucidated.
  • New insights into miRNA biogenesis, turnover, and multilevel regulation have emerged.

Conclusions:

  • Recent technological innovations have significantly advanced miRNA research.
  • A comprehensive understanding of miRNA biogenesis, function, and regulation is evolving.
  • Future research should address identified challenges to further unravel miRNA complexities.