Short description
MicroRNAs are short RNA molecules that influence gene expression and thereby protein biosynthesis.
Detailed description
MicroRNAs have been discovered in animals, plants and some viruses. They consist of a short strand of nucleotides, which can bind to a complementary piece of so-called messenger RNA. This bound messenger RNA is then destroyed and cannot function as a template for the production of a certain protein any more. This way, microRNA regulates how much of a particular protein is produced. Viral microRNAs play a role in infections and represent an interesting novel approach for potential therapies.
