RNAbiologie

RNABiologie is a branch of molecular biology focused on RNA molecules and their roles in cellular processes. RNA serves as genetic information, a catalyst, and a regulatory molecule. Major RNA types include messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and diverse noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNA), small interfering RNAs (siRNA), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNA), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA).

RNA genes are transcribed from DNA by RNA polymerases. After transcription, RNA undergoes processing: 5' capping, 3' polyadenylation, splicing of introns by the spliceosome, editing, and chemical modifications. RNA molecules are transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, translated by ribosomes, or act in regulation within the nucleus or cytoplasm. RNA turnover is controlled by nucleases and surveillance pathways.

Technologies and research methods in RNABiologie include RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) for transcriptome profiling, quantitative RT-PCR for expression measurement, Northern blot for detecting specific RNAs, and ribosome profiling to study translation. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals cellular heterogeneity. RNA-based therapeutics, such as antisense oligonucleotides and mRNA vaccines, illustrate practical applications. Tools like CRISPR-Cas13 enable targeted RNA manipulation, expanding both basic research and clinical potential.

RNABiologie informs understanding of development, disease mechanisms, and evolutionary biology. Dysregulation of RNA pathways is associated with cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, highlighting the field’s significance for biology and medicine.