siRNA binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a small interfering RNA, a 21-23 nucleotide RNA that is processed from double stranded RNA (dsRNA) by an RNAse enzyme. [PMID:15066275, PMID:15066283]

siRNA binding is a molecular function that describes the interaction of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules with their target molecules. siRNAs are short, double-stranded RNA molecules that play a crucial role in RNA interference (RNAi), a powerful and highly specific mechanism for regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The primary function of siRNA is to silence gene expression by targeting specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules for degradation. siRNA binding involves a series of intricate steps: 1. Recognition: siRNA molecules, with their characteristic double-stranded structure, are recognized by a protein complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). 2. Unwinding: The RISC complex unwinds the siRNA duplex, separating the two strands. One strand, known as the guide strand, remains associated with RISC, while the other strand, called the passenger strand, is typically degraded. 3. Target Recognition: The guide strand, with its specific sequence, guides RISC to its target mRNA molecule. The guide strand base pairs with the complementary sequence on the mRNA, forming a stable hybrid. 4. Cleavage: Once the siRNA is bound to its target mRNA, RISC uses its enzymatic activity (typically provided by the Argonaute protein) to cleave the mRNA molecule. This cleavage disrupts the mRNA, preventing it from being translated into protein. 5. mRNA Degradation: The cleaved mRNA fragments are rapidly degraded by cellular machinery, effectively silencing the gene expression. siRNA binding is a highly specific process, as the guide strand sequence dictates the target mRNA molecule. This specificity makes siRNA a valuable tool for research and therapeutic applications, allowing scientists and clinicians to manipulate gene expression in a targeted manner. siRNA binding has been successfully employed in a wide range of applications, including gene silencing studies, drug discovery, and therapeutic interventions for various diseases.'
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Proteins (5)

Compounds (17)