RNAeditoinnista

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification process that alters the genetic information encoded in RNA molecules. This alteration can involve the insertion, deletion, or substitution of nucleotides within the RNA sequence. The most common type of RNA editing in mammals is adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) editing, where an enzyme complex converts adenosine bases into inosine. Inosine is then recognized by the cellular machinery as guanosine, effectively changing the genetic code.

This process can have significant functional consequences. RNA editing can alter protein sequences by changing codons, leading to different amino acid translations. It can also affect RNA stability, splicing patterns, and the binding of regulatory proteins or microRNAs. These changes are not random errors but are often highly specific, targeting particular sites within RNA molecules.

RNA editing plays crucial roles in various biological processes, including neuronal function, immune responses, and metabolic regulation. For instance, A-to-I editing in the nervous system is essential for the proper functioning of neurotransmitter receptors. Dysregulation of RNA editing has been linked to a range of diseases, including neurological disorders and cancer. Understanding RNA editing is therefore vital for comprehending gene expression and its implications for health and disease.