Let me count the ways: mechanisms of gene regulation by miRNAs and siRNAs

Mol Cell. 2008 Jan 18;29(1):1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2007.12.010.

Abstract

The downregulation of gene expression by miRNAs and siRNAs is a complex process involving both translational repression and accelerated mRNA turnover, each of which appears to occur by multiple mechanisms. Moreover, under certain conditions, miRNAs are also capable of activating translation. A variety of cellular proteins have been implicated in these regulatory mechanisms, yet their exact roles remain largely unresolved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factors / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Models, Genetic
  • Protein Biosynthesis / genetics
  • RNA Caps / genetics
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • RNA Stability / genetics
  • RNA, Helminth / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA-Induced Silencing Complex / genetics

Substances

  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factors
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA Caps
  • RNA, Helminth
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • RNA-Induced Silencing Complex