Non-coding RNA signaling refers to the complex regulatory roles played by RNA molecules that do not translate into proteins, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). These molecules act as crucial post-transcriptional and epigenetic modulators, influencing gene expression by regulating messenger RNA (mRNA) stability and translation. Understanding this signaling is vital in hormonal health, as non-coding RNAs can mediate the effects of hormones on target cells.
Origin
This field is a relatively modern area of molecular biology, emerging from the discovery that a vast portion of the genome is transcribed into non-protein-coding RNA, challenging the classical central dogma of molecular biology. ‘Signaling’ emphasizes their role as communication molecules within the cell. Research has since revealed their profound involvement in disease pathogenesis and the aging process, making them targets for novel therapeutic approaches.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism involves microRNAs binding to complementary sequences on target messenger RNAs, typically leading to the degradation of the mRNA or the suppression of its translation into protein. This process effectively fine-tunes the amount of specific protein produced in the cell. Hormones can modulate the expression of these non-coding RNAs, thereby exerting a broad regulatory influence over entire cellular pathways, including those controlling cell proliferation, metabolism, and inflammatory responses.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.