RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)

The RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) is a multiprotein ribonucleoprotein assembly central to the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway in eukaryotic cells[1][3][4][6]. At its core, RISC is composed of an Argonaute protein bound to a small regulatory RNA, such as a microRNA (miRNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA). After loading, RISC uses the guide RNA to target complementary messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts through Watson-Crick base pairing, resulting in gene silencing by either degrading the target mRNA or preventing its translation[1][3][4][5]. RISC also participates in transcriptional gene silencing by promoting heterochromatin formation at specific genomic loci. RISC and its family members are pivotal in regulating cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, antiviral immunity, and development. Aberrant activity or overexpression of RISC components is closely linked to various cancers, making it a promising target for RNA-based therapies. Key challenges include specificity, delivery, and avoidance of undesired molecular or immune effects[1][3][5][6].

Other names

RISCRNA-induced silencing complexRNA-induced silencing complex loading complexRNA-induced transcriptional silencing complex (RITS)

Sequence-specific mRNA degradation (when loaded with siRNA); Sequence-specific translational inhibition (when loaded with miRNA); Epigenetic silencing via chromatin modulation (when part of RITS complex)