title: Getting to the root of miRNA-mediated gene silencing.
abstract: MicroRNAs are approximately 22 nucleotide-long RNAs that silence gene expression posttranscriptionally by binding to the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs. Although much is known about their biogenesis and biological functions, the mechanisms allowing miRNAs to silence gene expression in animal cells are still under debate. Here, we discuss current models for miRNA-mediated gene silencing and formulate a hypothesis to reconcile differences.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute for Developmental Biology, Spemannstrasse 35, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eulalio
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Huntzinger
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Izaurralde
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D060565:Argonaute Proteins; D039642:Eukaryotic Initiation Factors / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D020868:Gene Silencing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational / Q000235:genetics*; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C115848:AGO1 protein, human; D060565:Argonaute Proteins; D039642:Eukaryotic Initiation Factors; D035683:MicroRNAs; D012333:RNA, Messenger