The mechanics of miRNA-mediated gene silencing: a look under the hood of miRISC

Since their discovery almost two decades ago, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to function by post-transcriptionally regulating protein accumulation. Understanding how miRNAs silence targeted mRNAs has been the focus of intensive research. Multiple models have been proposed, with few mechanistic d...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inNature structural & molecular biology Vol. 19; no. 6; pp. 586 - 593
Main Authors Fabian, Marc R, Sonenberg, Nahum
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Nature Publishing Group 01.06.2012
Subjects
Animals
Gene expression
Gene Silencing
Humans
MicroRNA
MicroRNAs - chemistry
MicroRNAs - genetics
MicroRNAs - metabolism
Molecular biology
Physiological aspects
Protein Biosynthesis
Ribonucleic acid
RNA
RNA-Binding Proteins - chemistry
RNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism
RNA-protein interactions
Canada
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Since their discovery almost two decades ago, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to function by post-transcriptionally regulating protein accumulation. Understanding how miRNAs silence targeted mRNAs has been the focus of intensive research. Multiple models have been proposed, with few mechanistic details having been worked out. However, the past few years have witnessed a quantum leap forward in our understanding of the molecular mechanics of miRNA-mediated gene silencing. In this review we describe recent discoveries, with an emphasis on how miRISC post-transcriptionally controls gene expression by inhibiting translation and/or initiating mRNA decay, and how trans-acting factors control miRNA action.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-3
content type line 23
ObjectType-Review-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
ISSN:1545-9993
1545-9985
DOI:10.1038/nsmb.2296