RNA Regulation in Eukaryotes

Study Notes

RNA Regulation in Eukaryotes

MiRNA Regulation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to mRNA
miRNAs are typically 20-22 nucleotides in length and are derived from longer precursor molecules
miRNAs inhibit translation by binding to the 3' UTR of target mRNAs, preventing translation or inducing degradation
miRNAs can regulate multiple target genes, and a single target gene can be regulated by multiple miRNAs

SiRNA-mediated Gene Silencing

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are double-stranded RNAs that induce gene silencing by degrading target mRNAs
siRNAs are typically 21-23 nucleotides in length and are derived from longer double-stranded RNA molecules
siRNAs are processed by the enzyme Dicer to produce short, single-stranded RNAs that guide the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to target mRNAs
siRNAs can be used as a tool for gene silencing in research and therapy

RNA Interference

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which RNA molecules inhibit the expression of specific genes
RNAi is mediated by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and involves the degradation of target mRNAs
RNAi can be triggered by the introduction of double-stranded RNA molecules into cells
RNAi plays a role in defending against viral infections and in regulating gene expression

Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation

Post-transcriptional gene regulation refers to the regulation of gene expression after transcription has occurred
This includes the regulation of mRNA stability, translation, and localization
RNA-binding proteins, miRNAs, and siRNAs all play roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation
Post-transcriptional gene regulation allows for rapid and flexible responses to changing cellular conditions

RNA-binding Proteins

RNA-binding proteins are proteins that interact with RNA molecules to regulate gene expression
RNA-binding proteins can bind to specific RNA sequences or structures to regulate mRNA stability, translation, and localization
Examples of RNA-binding proteins include:
- HuR: stabilizes mRNA by binding to the 3' UTR
- PUM2: regulates mRNA translation by binding to the 3' UTR
- Staufen: regulates mRNA localization by binding to the 3' UTR
RNA-binding proteins can also play roles in RNA processing and splicing

Description

Learn about the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes, including miRNA regulation, siRNA-mediated gene silencing, RNA interference, post-transcriptional gene regulation, and RNA-binding proteins.