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How are microRNAs involved in disease, especially in cancer?
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Altered microRNA levels are observed in various diseases, including cancer, indicating their potential for disease diagnostics and therapeutics.
What experimental methods are used for studying microRNAs?
Experimental methods include small RNA sequencing, quantitative Real-Time PCR, Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), and Reporter assays to study miRNA function and localization.
How does the RISC complex regulate gene expression by microRNAs?
The RISC complex loaded with mature miRNAs binds to specific regions of mRNA, leading to mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation.
What are microRNAs and what is their role in gene expression?
MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by influencing processes like organ development and disease pathways.
Describe the process of microRNA biogenesis.
MicroRNAs are transcribed from genes in the genome, processed by enzymes like Drosha and Dicer, and loaded into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) after being transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
What role do microRNAs play in cellular differentiation?
MicroRNAs influence cell fate decisions and can control gene expression modules dictating cell differentiation by suppressing master regulator transcription factors.
Explain the specificity and expression patterns of microRNAs.
MicroRNAs are cell type-specific and tissue-specific, often binding to the 3' UTR of mRNA, allowing precise regulation of gene expression in different cellular contexts.
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