microRNA biogenesis

MicroRNA biogenesis is the process by which small RNA molecules, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), are created within cells. It starts with longer RNA molecules called primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) that are produced from DNA. These pri-miRNAs are then processed in the nucleus into shorter hairpin-shaped precursors (pre-miRNAs) by a protein called Drosha. The pre-miRNAs are transported to the cytoplasm, where another enzyme called Dicer cuts them into mature miRNAs. These mature miRNAs can then regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs), influencing how proteins are made in the cell.