Perspective: machines for RNAi
RNA silencing pathways convert the sequence information in long RNA, typically double-
stranded RNA, into∼ 21-nt RNA signaling molecules such as small interfering RNAs
(siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). siRNAs and miRNAs provide specificity to protein
effector complexes that repress mRNA transcription or translation, or catalyze mRNA
destruction. Here, we review our current understanding of how small RNAs are produced,
how they are loaded into protein complexes, and how they repress gene expression.
stranded RNA, into∼ 21-nt RNA signaling molecules such as small interfering RNAs
(siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). siRNAs and miRNAs provide specificity to protein
effector complexes that repress mRNA transcription or translation, or catalyze mRNA
destruction. Here, we review our current understanding of how small RNAs are produced,
how they are loaded into protein complexes, and how they repress gene expression.
RNA silencing pathways convert the sequence information in long RNA, typically double-stranded RNA, into ∼21-nt RNA signaling molecules such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). siRNAs and miRNAs provide specificity to protein effector complexes that repress mRNA transcription or translation, or catalyze mRNA destruction. Here, we review our current understanding of how small RNAs are produced, how they are loaded into protein complexes, and how they repress gene expression.
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