Dicer

Definition

Dicer is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. It processes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or microRNAs (miRNAs), which are essential for gene silencing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dicer cleaves long dsRNA into siRNAs, typically 21-23 nucleotides in length.
2. It is involved in the formation of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC).
3. Dicer’s activity is critical for regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
4. Mutations or malfunctions in Dicer can lead to impaired gene regulation and are associated with various diseases, including cancer.
5. Dicer requires ATP for its helicase activity to unwind dsRNA before cleavage.

Review Questions

• What type of RNA does Dicer process?
• How does malfunctioning of Dicer impact human health?
• What is the role of Dicer in the formation of RISC?

Related terms

Argonaute: A protein family that interacts with siRNAs or miRNAs within the RISC to mediate gene silencing.

siRNA:

Small interfering RNAs, typically derived from dsRNA and used by RISC to target mRNA for degradation.

miRNA:

MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNAs.