Page last updated: 2024-10-24

regulatory ncRNA-mediated post-transcriptional gene silencing

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

A posttranscriptional gene silencing pathway in which regulatory RNAs elicit silencing of specific target genes, either by mRNA destabilization or inhibition of translation. [GOC:ems, PMID:11201747, PMID:11713190, PMID:15020054, PMID:15066275, PMID:18771919, PMID:32885814, PMID:33184244]

Regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene silencing, a complex process that modulates gene expression after transcription. This intricate mechanism involves a diverse repertoire of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), each with unique modes of action.

miRNAs, typically 20-25 nucleotides long, are key players in post-transcriptional silencing. They are transcribed as primary transcripts (pri-miRNAs) and processed into mature miRNAs by a series of enzymatic steps. Mature miRNAs associate with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), a multi-protein complex that facilitates target recognition. The miRNA within RISC binds to complementary sequences within the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of target mRNAs, leading to translational repression or mRNA degradation.

siRNAs, also approximately 20-25 nucleotides long, arise from double-stranded RNA precursors. These precursors are cleaved by the enzyme Dicer into siRNA duplexes, which are then loaded into RISC. Like miRNAs, siRNAs guide RISC to target mRNAs, triggering mRNA degradation through perfect or near-perfect base pairing.

lncRNAs, longer than 200 nucleotides, exhibit diverse mechanisms of action. Some lncRNAs act as molecular scaffolds, bringing together protein complexes that regulate gene expression. Others function as decoys, sequestering proteins or miRNAs to prevent their interaction with target mRNAs. Additionally, lncRNAs can directly interact with chromatin, influencing the accessibility of genes to transcription factors.

The post-transcriptional silencing mediated by ncRNAs is a highly regulated process. It is influenced by cellular context, developmental stage, and environmental cues. This intricate interplay ensures that gene expression is fine-tuned to meet the specific needs of the cell. Furthermore, dysregulation of ncRNA-mediated silencing is implicated in various diseases, highlighting the importance of this process for human health.'
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Proteins (3)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Protein argonaute-2A protein argonaute-2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UKV8]Homo sapiens (human)
Protein argonaute-2A protein argonaute-2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UKV8]Homo sapiens (human)
Translin-associated protein XA translin-associated protein X that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q99598]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (5)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
sulfaguanidinesulfaguanidine : A sulfonamide incorporating a guanidine moiety used to block the synthesis of folic acid; mostly used in veterinary medicine

Sulfaguanidine: A sulfanilamide antimicrobial agent that is used to treat enteric infections.
sulfonamide antibioticantiinfective agent
sulfanilamidesubstituted aniline;
sulfonamide;
sulfonamide antibiotic
antibacterial agent;
drug allergen;
EC 4.2.1.1 (carbonic anhydrase) inhibitor
sulfisomidinesulfisomidine : A sulfonamide consisting of pyrimidine having methyl substituents at the 2- and 6-positions and a 4-aminobenzenesulfonamido group at the 4-position.

Sulfisomidine: A sulfanilamide antibacterial agent.
pyrimidines;
sulfonamide;
sulfonamide antibiotic
antiinfective agent
uridine monophosphateuridine 5'-monophosphate : A pyrimidine ribonucleoside 5'-monophosphate having uracil as the nucleobase.

Uridine Monophosphate: 5'-Uridylic acid. A uracil nucleotide containing one phosphate group esterified to the sugar moiety in the 2', 3' or 5' position.
pyrimidine ribonucleoside 5'-monophosphate;
uridine 5'-phosphate
Escherichia coli metabolite;
human metabolite;
mouse metabolite
ellagic acidcatechols;
cyclic ketone;
lactone;
organic heterotetracyclic compound;
polyphenol
antioxidant;
EC 1.14.18.1 (tyrosinase) inhibitor;
EC 2.3.1.5 (arylamine N-acetyltransferase) inhibitor;
EC 2.4.1.1 (glycogen phosphorylase) inhibitor;
EC 2.5.1.18 (glutathione transferase) inhibitor;
EC 2.7.1.127 (inositol-trisphosphate 3-kinase) inhibitor;
EC 2.7.1.151 (inositol-polyphosphate multikinase) inhibitor;
EC 2.7.4.6 (nucleoside-diphosphate kinase) inhibitor;
EC 2.7.7.7 (DNA-directed DNA polymerase) inhibitor;
EC 5.99.1.2 (DNA topoisomerase) inhibitor;
EC 5.99.1.3 [DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolysing)] inhibitor;
food additive;
fungal metabolite;
geroprotector;
plant metabolite;
skin lightening agent