Question

How can miRNAs regulate gene expression?

Answer 1

miRNA:

1. MicroRNAs are a group of RNAs that are non-coding in nature.
2. At the post-transcriptional level, these RNAs are involved in the regulation of gene expression.
3. It also functions in RNA silencing.
4. It is a single-stranded RNA that is present in animals, plants, and viruses.

Regulation of gene expression by miRNA:

1. miRNA bind to the 3'UTR (untranslated region) of the mRNA and destabilizes it.
2. Thus, repressing the process of protein synthesis or translation.
3. They also affect the function of the initiation factor hence inhibiting the translation initiation.
4. miRNA negatively regulates the expression of mRNA.