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RNA Interference definitions

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  • RNA Interference
    A cellular process using RNA molecules to prevent specific transcripts from being translated into proteins, acting after transcription.
  • Post-Transcriptional Regulation
    A control mechanism that modifies or inhibits RNA transcripts after they are made but before they are translated into proteins.
  • MicroRNA
    A single-stranded RNA, about 22 nucleotides long, that can target and inhibit multiple different RNA transcripts.
  • Short Interfering RNA
    A double-stranded RNA processed into a single strand, specifically targeting one RNA transcript for inhibition.
  • Dicer
    An enzyme that processes precursor RNAs by cleaving them into short, functional RNA segments of about 22 nucleotides.
  • RISC
    A protein complex that binds processed RNA molecules, guiding them to complementary transcripts for degradation.
  • Complementary Base Pairing
    A molecular interaction where RNA nucleotides align with matching bases on target transcripts, enabling specific binding.
  • Non-Coding Region
    A segment of a gene, such as an intron, that does not code for protein but can give rise to regulatory RNAs.
  • Intron
    A non-coding sequence within a gene that is removed during RNA processing and can contain regulatory RNA elements.
  • Pre-microRNA
    An initial, longer RNA molecule that is processed by Dicer to produce a mature, functional microRNA.
  • Hairpin Loop
    A secondary RNA structure formed when a single strand folds back on itself, often seen in siRNA precursors.
  • Guide Strand
    The remaining single RNA strand after processing, which directs the RISC complex to complementary target transcripts.
  • Transcript Degradation
    The process by which targeted RNA molecules are broken down, preventing their translation into proteins.