RNAvälitteiseen

RNAvälitteinen is a Finnish term that translates to "RNA-mediated" in English. It refers to biological processes or effects that are influenced or controlled by ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. RNA plays a crucial role in gene expression, acting as a messenger between DNA and proteins, but it also has numerous other functions.

RNA-mediated processes can encompass a wide range of activities within a cell. For example, microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are types of RNA that can regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) and either blocking its translation into protein or leading to its degradation. This mechanism is known as RNA interference (RNAi).

Another example of RNA-mediated action is found in the regulation of transcription, where RNA molecules can interact with DNA and proteins to control which genes are turned on or off. Furthermore, RNA molecules themselves can act as enzymes, known as ribozymes, catalyzing biochemical reactions. The term RNAvälitteinen highlights the diverse and critical roles that RNA plays in orchestrating cellular functions beyond its traditional role as a simple intermediary in protein synthesis. Understanding these RNA-mediated phenomena is fundamental to comprehending molecular biology and has significant implications for medicine and biotechnology.