Abstract
Small regulatory RNAs 20-30 nucleotides in length guide RNA-mediated silencing processes in eukaryotes in a sequence-specific manner. Based on their biogenesis and precursors, plant small RNAs are classified as miRNAs or siRNAs. Both types of small RNAs are processed from longer precursors by RNase III enzymes and are stabilized by 2’-O-methylation at the 3’ terminal ribose. Mature small RNAs are incorporated into and guide the catalytic action of ARGONAUTE proteins. Small RNAs repress their targets at the posttranscriptional level via mRNA cleavage or translational inhibition or at the transcriptional level via heterochromatin formation. Small RNAs may also originate from exogenous sources such as viruses and transgenes. Consistent with the crucial roles of small RNAs in regulating many biological processes, the homeostasis of these molecules is precisely maintained through the regulation of their biogenesis and turnover.
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Won, S.Y., Yumul, R.E., Chen, X. (2013). Nucleus and Genome: Small RNAs. In: Howell, S. (eds) Molecular Biology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0263-7_3-1
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