RasiRNA

RasiRNA or Repeat Associated Small Interfering RNA is a type of small interfering RNA that is associated with the silencing of transposons and other repetitive elements in the genome. These are typically 24-30 nucleotides in length and are derived from double-stranded RNA precursors.

Function

RasiRNAs are involved in the RNA interference pathway, which is a biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. They are associated with the silencing of transposons and other repetitive elements in the genome, which helps to maintain genomic stability.

Biogenesis

The biogenesis of rasiRNAs is a complex process that involves several steps. First, the double-stranded RNA precursors are processed by the Dicer enzyme into small RNA duplexes. These duplexes are then loaded onto an Argonaute protein, which unwinds the duplex and retains one of the strands as the mature rasiRNA.

Role in Disease

Alterations in the rasiRNA pathway have been implicated in several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and infertility. For example, dysregulation of rasiRNA biogenesis or function can lead to the activation of transposons, which can cause genomic instability and contribute to the development of cancer.

See Also

• Small interfering RNA
• RNA interference
• Transposon
• Dicer
• Argonaute

RasiRNA Resources
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