In: Biology
Discuss the general function of the microRNA precursor, miR-7.
Ans . A micro RNA(mi RNA) is a small non-coding RNA molecule ( containing about 22 nucleotides) found in plants, animals and some viruses, that functions in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. miRNAs function via base-pairing with complementary sequences within mRNA molecules.
microRNA precursor miR-7 :-
miR-7 is directly regulated by the transcription factor HoxD10.
miRNAs have regulatory roles through complementarity to mRNA . miR-7 is essential for the maintenance of regulatory stability under conditions of environmental flux. It plays an important role in controlling mRNA expression.
miR-7 acts as an oncomiR in the epithelial cells, where through negative regulation of KLF4-dependent signalling pathways, miR-7 promotes cellular transformation and tumor growth. Activation of developmental pathway neurogenin-3/microRNA-7a regulates cholangiocyte proliferation in response to injury.