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Related Concept Videos

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...
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

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 ATP-dependent...
Experimental RNAi02:15

Experimental RNAi

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...
piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

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...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing
09:16

Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing

Published on: October 11, 2015

Small RNA pathways in mammalian oocytes.

Petr Svoboda1, Josef Pasulka1

  • 1Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.

FEBS Open Bio
|May 20, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mammalian oocytes utilize three small RNA pathways: RNA interference (RNAi), microRNA (miRNA), and PIWI-associated RNA (piRNA). This review introduces these pathways and their roles in oocytes and zygotes.

Keywords:
RNAimiRNAoocytepiRNAretrotransposonsiRNA

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Last Updated: May 21, 2026

Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing
09:16

Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing

Published on: October 11, 2015

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay
08:00

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay

Published on: June 16, 2021

Preparation of Small RNA Libraries for Sequencing from Early Mouse Embryos
08:37

Preparation of Small RNA Libraries for Sequencing from Early Mouse Embryos

Published on: October 9, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • RNA silencing pathways regulate gene expression using small RNAs.
  • The first mammalian small RNA pathway, RNA interference (RNAi), was discovered in mouse oocytes 25 years ago.
  • Mammalian oocytes possess three distinct small RNA pathways: RNAi, microRNA (miRNA), and PIWI-associated RNA (piRNA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a foundational overview of mammalian RNA silencing pathways.
  • To focus on the roles and mechanisms of RNAi, miRNA, and piRNA pathways in mouse oocytes.
  • To discuss the biological significance of these pathways in oocytes and zygotes across mammalian species.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of RNA silencing pathways in mammalian oocytes.
  • Comparative analysis of RNAi, miRNA, and piRNA pathway mechanisms and functions.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on small RNA roles in female germline development.

Main Results:

  • Three distinct small RNA pathways (RNAi, miRNA, piRNA) operate in mammalian oocytes.
  • These pathways exhibit mechanistic and functional differences.
  • Their co-existence in the female germline has led to varied evolutionary arrangements.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding mammalian RNA silencing pathways is crucial for comprehending oocyte and zygote biology.
  • The interplay of RNAi, miRNA, and piRNA pathways is essential for female germline integrity.
  • Further research into these pathways will illuminate their roles in mammalian reproduction and development.