miRNA biogenesis

miRNA biogenesis is the process by which small RNA molecules called microRNAs are created to help regulate gene activity. It begins in the cell nucleus, where a gene is transcribed into a primary miRNA (pri-miRNA). This pri-miRNA is processed by enzymes into a shorter hairpin-shaped molecule called precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA). The pre-miRNA is then transported to the cytoplasm, where it is further cut into a mature miRNA. This mature miRNA partners with proteins to form a complex that binds to specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), blocking them from making proteins or marking them for degradation, thereby controlling gene expression.