Small RNA pathway

The small RNA pathway is a biological process that helps regulate gene expression in cells. Small RNA molecules, like microRNAs and small interfering RNAs, play a key role in controlling which genes are turned on or off. They bind to messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which are messages that tell the cell how to make proteins. By binding to mRNAs, small RNAs can prevent protein production or promote degradation of those messages. This process is crucial for maintaining normal cell functions, influencing development, and responding to environmental changes. Essentially, small RNAs help fine-tune how genes are expressed in the body.