MicroRNA

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

MicroRNA (miRNA) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, functioning in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. miRNAs are approximately 22 nucleotides long and are involved in many biological processes, including development, differentiation, growth, and metabolism.

History[edit | edit source]

The first miRNA, lin-4, was discovered in 1993 in a study of developmental timing in Caenorhabditis elegans. The term "microRNA" was introduced in 2001.

Biogenesis[edit | edit source]

miRNA genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase II into primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) molecules, which are then processed by the Drosha enzyme to produce precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA). The pre-miRNA is exported from the nucleus and further processed by the Dicer enzyme to produce the mature miRNA.

Function[edit | edit source]

miRNAs function by base-pairing with complementary sequences within mRNA molecules, leading to gene silencing either through translational repression or target degradation.

Role in disease[edit | edit source]

Alterations in miRNA expression are implicated in numerous disease states, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disease.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


MicroRNA Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Bonnu, Prab R. Tumpati, MD