Small non-coding RNAs: Diagnostic and therapeutic news

• Main Author: Kocić Gordana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia, Belgrade 2008-01-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Biochemistry
• Subjects: non-coding rkas; rnasi; rnas
• Online Access: https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/1452-8258/2008/1452-82580803371K.pdf
• ISSN: 1452-8258; 1452-8266

Non-coding RNAs represent a specific type of RNAs that are non translated into proteins. They participate in a number of different regulatory processes concerning the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level. This family contains different types, each mainly 20-30 nucleotides long, excised from longer precursors. Some of them, such as siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) are formed during longer double-stranded dsRNA cleavage associated with the viral infection. Another family, named micro RNAs (miRNA) are encoded by specific genes. The main function is to repress or degrade mRNA translation or to induce mRNA degradation, know as RNA silencing. They recognize target mRNA according to the sequence-specific base pairing. The degree of complementarity directs the outcome of the reaction. The use of RNAi as a defense against different viruses was documented as a new therapeutic tool. Some siRNAs have a potential of silencing disease (virus) specific RNAs, while miRNAs are involved in development of human cancers. Their profiling can be used as diagnostic and prognostic tool in different cancer types and different cancer stages. Some of the miRNA associated genes are implicated in the development of degenerative and metabolic diseases. Since the proper development of the nervous system, insulin secretion and important metabolic processes requires precise control of gene expression, control of the translation and stability of many mRNAs by the small non-coding RNAs is emerging as an important regulator of various metabolic, endocrine and neurological processes.