regulation of miRNA transcription

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of microRNA (miRNA) gene transcription. [GO_REF:0000058, GOC:dph, GOC:kmv, GOC:TermGenie, PMID:24699545]

MicroRNA (miRNA) transcription is a complex process tightly regulated to ensure proper levels of mature miRNAs are produced. This regulation occurs at multiple levels, from the initiation of transcription to the processing of the primary miRNA transcript (pri-miRNA) into mature miRNAs.

**Transcriptional Regulation:**

* **Transcription Factors:** Specific transcription factors bind to promoter regions of miRNA genes, activating or repressing transcription. These factors can respond to various cellular cues, including developmental signals, stress, and disease states.
* **Epigenetic Modifications:** DNA methylation and histone modifications play a crucial role in regulating miRNA expression. These modifications can alter chromatin accessibility, influencing the recruitment of transcription factors and the overall transcriptional activity of miRNA genes.

**Processing of the Primary Transcript:**

* **Drosha Processing:** The pri-miRNA is processed in the nucleus by the RNase III enzyme Drosha, along with its co-factor DGCR8. This cleavage generates a shorter precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) with a hairpin structure.
* **Export to the Cytoplasm:** The pre-miRNA is then exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm by the exportin-5 protein.
* **Dicer Processing:** In the cytoplasm, the pre-miRNA is further processed by the RNase III enzyme Dicer, along with its co-factor TRBP. This final cleavage generates the mature miRNA, a short double-stranded RNA molecule.

**Post-Transcriptional Regulation:**

* **miRNA Stability:** Mature miRNAs are relatively stable molecules, but their stability can be influenced by factors such as the presence of specific nucleotides in the miRNA sequence and the activity of miRNA-binding proteins.
* **miRNA Degradation:** Some miRNAs are degraded by specific enzymes, such as exonucleases, which can fine-tune the levels of individual miRNAs in the cell.

**Regulation of miRNA Transcription in Specific Contexts:**

* **Development:** miRNA expression patterns change during development, contributing to cell differentiation and tissue formation.
* **Disease:** Dysregulation of miRNA transcription is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.

The intricate regulation of miRNA transcription ensures that proper miRNA levels are maintained to fine-tune gene expression and cellular function. Dysregulation of this process can lead to pathological consequences.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)