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mRNA Processing definitions

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  • Pre-mRNA
    A newly transcribed RNA molecule in the nucleus containing both exons and introns, not yet ready for translation.
  • Mature mRNA
    A fully processed RNA molecule with a 5' cap, poly-A tail, and joined exons, capable of exiting the nucleus for translation.
  • 5' Cap
    A methylated guanine structure added to the 5' end of RNA, protecting it from degradation and aiding in recognition.
  • Poly-A Tail
    A stretch of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of RNA, enhancing stability and influencing export from the nucleus.
  • RNA Splicing
    A process removing introns and joining exons in pre-mRNA, creating a continuous coding sequence for translation.
  • Intron
    A non-coding sequence within pre-mRNA that is removed during processing to ensure accurate protein synthesis.
  • Exon
    A coding sequence in RNA that remains after splicing and is joined to form the final template for protein synthesis.
  • Spliceosome
    A complex of small nuclear RNAs and proteins that recognizes splice sites and catalyzes intron removal.
  • Alternative Splicing
    A mechanism allowing different combinations of exons to be joined, producing multiple protein variants from one gene.
  • RNA Editing
    A rare modification process where nucleotide sequences in pre-mRNA are altered, potentially changing protein output.
  • C-terminal Domain (CTD)
    A region of RNA polymerase II that recruits processing factors and coordinates capping, splicing, and polyadenylation.
  • hnRNPs
    Protein-RNA complexes that bind pre-mRNA, prevent secondary structures, and signal incomplete processing.
  • Branch Point
    A specific sequence within an intron, upstream of the 3' splice site, essential for lariat formation during splicing.
  • Exon Junction Complex
    A set of proteins deposited at exon-exon boundaries after splicing, facilitating mRNA export and surveillance.
  • Guide RNA
    A short RNA molecule that directs nucleotide changes during RNA editing by base-pairing with target sequences.