miRNA (microRNA)

MicroRNA (miRNA) are small, naturally occurring molecules in our cells, made of short strands of RNA. They play a key role in controlling gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA), the molecule that carries genetic instructions for making proteins. By attaching to specific mRNAs, miRNAs can prevent them from producing proteins or lead to their breakdown. This regulation helps cells function properly and respond to changes. miRNAs are involved in various biological processes and can influence health and disease, making them important for understanding how our genes work and for developing new medical therapies.