InterferenzenRNAMoleküle

InterferenzenRNAMoleküle, often referred to as RNA interference (RNAi) molecules, are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation. These molecules, typically ranging from 20 to 25 nucleotides in length, function by binding to complementary messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences. This binding event leads to the degradation of the target mRNA or the inhibition of its translation into protein.

The primary mechanisms by which RNAi molecules exert their effects are through small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). siRNAs are often exogenously introduced or arise from double-stranded RNA precursors, while miRNAs are encoded by endogenous genes and undergo specific processing pathways. Both siRNA and miRNA pathways involve the RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex), a multiprotein complex that unwinds the double-stranded RNA and incorporates one strand, which then guides RISC to the target mRNA.

RNA interference is a fundamental biological process found in many eukaryotes, involved in development, cellular differentiation, and defense against viral infections and transposable elements. In research and biotechnology, RNAi technology has become a powerful tool for experimentally silencing specific genes, allowing scientists to study gene function and explore potential therapeutic applications for diseases caused by gene overexpression or the presence of aberrant RNA.