Navigation Links
miRNA-mediated silencing of mRNAs

Dr. Elisa Izaurrralde and colleagues (EMBL; Max-Planck-Institute for Developmental Biology-Tuebingen) provide new mechanistic insight into gene silencing by miRNAs

Their paper will be featured on the cover of the July 15th issue of G&D, and also will be made available online in advance on 7/3.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of small regulatory RNAs that silence the expression of complementary mRNA targets.

Dr. Izaurralde and colleagues demonstrate that the P-body protein, GW182, interacts with the miRNA effector Argonaute proteins as well as mRNA degradation enzymes, to promote target mRNA decay. The authors establish that GW182 functions downstream of the Argonaute-1 protein in the miRNA pathway, targeting transcripts for decay via a deadenylation and decapping reaction.

The question of whether miRNAs silence gene expression without affecting mRNA levels has been controversial, and conflicting results have been reported in the literature. Dr. Izaurralde explains that, "Our findings reveal that miRNAs silencing gene expression by at least two independent mechanisms: by repression of translation and/or by induction of mRNA degradation. This provides an explanation for changes in mRNA levels observed at least for a subset of miRNA targets."


'"/>

Source:Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory


Page: 1

Related biology news :

1. Novel gene-silencing nanoparticles shown to inhibit Ewings sarcoma
2. Gene silencing technique offers new strategy for treating, curing disease
3. Molecular steps involved in the creation of gene-silencing microRNAs identified
4. Twin molecular scissors link creation of microRNAs with gene-silencing
5. New mechanism for essential genome-wide gene silencing identified
6. Pathway toward gene silencing described in plants
7. Newly identified mechanism for silencing genes points to possible anti-cancer strategies
Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email:
TAG: miRNA mediated silencing mRNAs

Breaking Biology News(10 mins):MDC researchers identify a scaffold regulating protein disposal 2Scientists identify natural anti-cancer defenses 2Keystone Symposia appoints 5 Fellows as part of diversity in life science initiative 2Keystone Symposia appoints 5 Fellows as part of diversity in life science initiative 3Keystone Symposia appoints 5 Fellows as part of diversity in life science initiative 48 Ounces a Day of POM Wonderful 100 25 Pomegranate Juice May Slow Progression of Carotid Intima Media Thickness 28CIMT 29 in Patients with Elevated C 58866 18 Ounces a Day of POM Wonderful 100 25 Pomegranate Juice May Slow Progression of Carotid Intima Media Thickness 28CIMT 29 in Patients with Elevated C 58866 28 Ounces a Day of POM Wonderful 100 25 Pomegranate Juice May Slow Progression of Carotid Intima Media Thickness 28CIMT 29 in Patients with Elevated C 58866 3Retailers NGOs and Food and Beverage Industry Launch National Initiative to Help Reduce Obesity 58861 1Retailers NGOs and Food and Beverage Industry Launch National Initiative to Help Reduce Obesity 58861 2Retailers NGOs and Food and Beverage Industry Launch National Initiative to Help Reduce Obesity 58861 3Retailers NGOs and Food and Beverage Industry Launch National Initiative to Help Reduce Obesity 58861 4Transdel Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call and Webcast on Tuesday October 6 2009 to Announce Top Line Phase 3 Study Results for Lead Topical P 14353 1Transdel Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call and Webcast on Tuesday October 6 2009 to Announce Top Line Phase 3 Study Results for Lead Topical P 14353 2Transdel Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call and Webcast on Tuesday October 6 2009 to Announce Top Line Phase 3 Study Results for Lead Topical P 14353 3