The miRNA maturation process

miRNA maturation is a process that transforms small RNA molecules into active forms capable of regulating gene expression. It begins in the nucleus, where primary miRNAs are transcribed from DNA and processed into precursor miRNAs. These precursors are then exported to the cytoplasm, where enzymes trim them into mature miRNA duplexes. One strand of this duplex is incorporated into a protein complex called RISC, which guides the miRNA to target specific messenger RNAs. By binding to these targets, the miRNA can inhibit their translation into proteins or lead to their degradation, helping control the production of various proteins in the cell.