MicroRNA Synthesis (miRNA Synthesis)

MicroRNA synthesis refers to the cellular process by which microRNAs—small, non-coding RNA molecules of about 21–23 nucleotides—are generated and matured. These molecules play a crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in plants, animals, and some viruses. The canonical pathway involves transcription, nuclear processing by Drosha and DGCR8, export to the cytoplasm via Exportin-5, cytoplasmic processing by Dicer, and RISC loading with Argonaute proteins, leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression. Dysregulation can contribute to diseases like cancer.

Other names

miRNA BiogenesisMicroRNA Processing

Synthetic miRNAs or inhibitors are used to modulate gene expression. siRNAs or shRNAs exploit similar biogenesis pathways for targeted gene knockdown.