RNA interference

Definition

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which small RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. This mechanism serves as a crucial part of gene regulatory networks, allowing cells to modulate the expression of genes in response to various stimuli and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. RNA interference was first discovered in plants and has since been observed in many organisms, including animals and fungi.
2. The mechanism of RNAi involves the cleavage of mRNA by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), leading to reduced gene expression.
3. Both microRNAs and small interfering RNAs are integral to the RNAi process, with distinct biogenesis pathways and functions.
4. RNA interference can be harnessed for therapeutic applications, including gene therapy and the development of antiviral treatments.
5. Dysregulation of RNAi pathways has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, highlighting its importance in maintaining cellular regulation.

Review Questions

• How does RNA interference contribute to the regulation of gene expression within cells?
  • RNA interference contributes to gene regulation by utilizing small RNA molecules, such as siRNAs and microRNAs, to target and degrade specific mRNA transcripts. This process allows cells to fine-tune gene expression levels in response to environmental changes or developmental cues. By silencing unwanted or harmful genes, RNAi plays a critical role in maintaining cellular function and homeostasis.
• Discuss the roles of microRNAs and small interfering RNAs in the RNA interference mechanism.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have distinct but complementary roles in the RNA interference mechanism. miRNAs typically regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by binding to target mRNAs and preventing their translation, while siRNAs are often derived from longer double-stranded RNAs and lead to the degradation of their specific target mRNAs. Together, these small RNAs ensure precise control over gene expression within various biological contexts.
• Evaluate the potential therapeutic applications of RNA interference in treating diseases and how it could transform medicine.
  • The potential therapeutic applications of RNA interference are vast and include targeting specific genes implicated in diseases like cancer, viral infections, and genetic disorders. By designing siRNAs that specifically silence disease-causing genes, researchers can create targeted treatments that reduce side effects associated with traditional therapies. Furthermore, ongoing developments in delivery mechanisms for RNAi therapeutics could revolutionize medicine by providing precise gene regulation strategies tailored to individual patient needs.

Related terms

MicroRNA: Small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a role in regulating gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNA.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA): Short, double-stranded RNA molecules that can induce RNA interference by targeting specific mRNA for degradation.

Dicer: An enzyme that processes long double-stranded RNA into short interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), which are essential for the RNAi pathway.