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Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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 ends...
RNA Interference01:23

RNA Interference

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...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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 ends...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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...
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

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 addition of a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells
07:19

Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells

Published on: September 28, 2011

Competition effects regulating the composition of the microRNA pool.

Sofia B Raak1, Jonathan G Hanley1, Cian O'Donnell2,3

  • 1School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.

Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
|February 18, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Competition for the enzyme Dicer influences microRNA (miRNA) expression. Pre-miRNAs that bind Dicer efficiently outcompete others, affecting the final mature miRNA pool. This study models and validates this competition mechanism.

Keywords:
biosynthesiscompetitionmicroRNAs

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Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Identifying Targets of Human microRNAs with the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System using 3'UTR-reporter Constructs and a microRNA Mimic in Adherent Cells
07:19

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Published on: September 28, 2011

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Describing a Transcription Factor Dependent Regulation of the MicroRNA Transcriptome

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression by inhibiting mRNA translation.
  • During maturation, pre-miRNAs compete for the enzyme Dicer, a critical resource.
  • The impact of this competition on mature miRNA expression levels remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how pre-miRNA competition for Dicer affects mature miRNA expression.
  • To develop and validate a computational model for pre-miRNA maturation dynamics.
  • To explore the role of pre-miRNA-Dicer interaction efficiency and TRBP association in competition.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a computational model of pre-miRNA maturation using in vitro Drosophila S2 cell data.
  • Re-analyzed ex vivo mouse striatum data with reduced Dicer1 expression.
  • Calculated pre-miRNA affinity to TRBP as a proxy for Dicer interaction efficiency.

Main Results:

  • Efficient Dicer-interacting pre-miRNAs outcompete others under Dicer scarcity.
  • TRBP association strength accurately predicted mature miRNA levels in mouse striatum data.
  • Pre-miRNAs with strong TRBP association were over-represented in competition scenarios.
  • Low maturation rate pre-miRNAs can also influence mature miRNA pools through competition.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-miRNA competition for Dicer is a significant factor regulating mature miRNA composition.
  • TRBP-mediated Dicer loading influences competitive dynamics among pre-miRNAs.
  • Understanding these competition mechanisms is crucial for deciphering miRNA regulation.