title: Perspective: machines for RNAi.
abstract: RNA silencing pathways convert the sequence information in long RNA, typically double-stranded RNA, into approximately 21-nt RNA signaling molecules such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). siRNAs and miRNAs provide specificity to protein effector complexes that repress mRNA transcription or translation, or catalyze mRNA destruction. Here, we review our current understanding of how small RNAs are produced, how they are loaded into protein complexes, and how they repress gene expression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.
authors.forename: Yukihide
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tomari
authors.forename: Phillip D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Zamore
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D020871:RNA Stability / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism*; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins