microRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial for posttranscriptional regulation of messenger RNAs. "Classical" miRNA targets predominantly interact with the miRNA seed sequence located near the miRNA 5' end. Interestingly, certain transcripts that exhibit extensive complementarity to the miRNAs 3' region, instead of being subjected to regulation, induce miRNA decay in a process termed target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD). Here, we review recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of TDMD. Specifically, we discuss how extensive miRNA complementarity to TDMD-inducing targets results in displacement of the miRNA 3' end from its protective pocket in the Argonaute protein. Unprotected miRNA 3' ends are then available for enzymatic attack by still-unidentified cellular enzymes. Identification of these cellular enzymes and discovery of additional TDMD-inducing transcripts are subjects for future research.
© 2019 Pawlica et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.