MicroRNA-mediated gene regulation

MicroRNA-mediated gene regulation refers to the biological process by which microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs approximately 21–24 nucleotides in length, regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. This is achieved primarily through base-pairing with complementary sequences within target messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, most commonly at the 3′ untranslated region. The result is either degradation of the mRNA or inhibition of its translation into protein. In some cases, miRNAs can also interact with other regions such as coding sequences and promoters and may even activate translation under certain conditions. The biogenesis and activity of miRNAs are tightly regulated through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms involving multiple proteins such as Dicer and Argonaute. Beyond intracellular functions, extracellular/circulating miRNAs can mediate intercellular communication via exosomes or protein complexes. Dysregulation of this regulatory system has been implicated in numerous diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and infections. Individual circulating or tissue-specific miRNAs are being explored both as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for diagnosis/prognosis in various clinical contexts. Note: "MicroRNA-mediated gene regulation" describes a molecular mechanism/process rather than a discrete molecular entity like an enzyme or receptor; therefore it is not considered a direct therapeutic target but rather an area encompassing many potential targets—namely individual microRNAs themselves or components involved in their biogenesis/function.

Other names

miRNA-mediated gene regulationmicroRNA regulation of gene expressionmiRNA function in gene silencing