Global Journal of Life Sciences and Biological Research
Open Access

Silencing Complexities of lncRNAs Alternative Splicing and Small RNA Dynamics in RNA Interference

Pengfei Zhi^{* *}Correspondence: Pengfei Zhi, Department of Life Sciences, National University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Email:

Author info »

About the Study

RNA interference (RNAi) represents a sophisticated mechanism in molecular biology, enabling precise regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. This process, initially discovered in plants and later observed in animals, involves small RNA molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), guiding sequence-specific silencing of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). By using the internal mechanism of the cell, RNAi acts as a potent tool for modulating gene expression patterns, influencing diverse biological processes from development to immunity.

The discovery of RNAi has revolutionized biological research and therapeutic development, offering insights into gene function and potential methods for treating genetic disorders, viral infections, and cancer. As researchers delve deeper into the difficult of RNAi pathways and expand its applications across species and disciplines, RNA interference continues to shape our understanding of cellular regulation and holds promise for innovative therapies aimed at manipulating gene expression with unprecedented precision.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in RNA interference pathways

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key players in RNA interference (RNAi) pathways, expanding the scope of gene regulation beyond protein-coding genes. While lncRNAs do not encode proteins, they exert regulatory roles by interacting with RNAi machinery components, such as Argonaute proteins and Dicer enzymes. Through these interactions, lncRNAs can modulate the processing, stability, and activity of small RNAs involved in RNAi, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).

In addition to their roles in RNAi machinery, lncRNAs can act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), sequestering miRNAs and thereby influencing the expression of miRNA target genes. This regulatory network highlights the complexity and versatility of lncRNA-mediated RNAi regulation, which extends beyond traditional gene silencing mechanisms. Understanding the exchange between lncRNAs and RNAi pathways offers insights into novel regulatory mechanisms in cellular processes and disease, potentially paving the way for future therapeutic strategies targeting RNA-based gene regulation networks.

RNA interference and alternative splicing regulation

RNA interference (RNAi) plays a significant role in regulating alternative splicing a process that generates multiple mRNA isoforms from a single gene. Small RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), can influence alternative splicing patterns by targeting splicing factors or directly binding to pre-mRNA transcripts. This interaction can alter splice site recognition, spliceosome assembly, and exon inclusion, exclusion decisions, thereby modulating the production of different mRNA variants from a gene.

The exchange between RNAi and alternative splicing regulation is important for cellular differentiation, development, and response to environmental stimuli. Numerous illnesses, including cancer and neurological conditions, have been linked to the dysregulation of these systems. Understanding how RNAi pathways impact alternative splicing expands our knowledge of gene expression regulation and provides insights into disease mechanisms.

Small RNA biogenesis and RNA interference efficiency

Small RNA biogenesis is a complex process essential for RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency, surrounding the generation and maturation of small RNA molecules like microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These molecules originate from longer precursor transcripts that undergo precise cleavage and processing by enzymes such as Drosha and Dicer, respectively, in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The resulting mature small RNAs are loaded into Argonaute proteins to form RNA-Induced Silencing Complexes (RISCs), which guide sequence-specific gene silencing by binding to target mRNAs.

Efficient small RNA biogenesis is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, regulating gene expression, and defending against viral infections and transposable elements. Variations in biogenesis pathways and factors influencing small RNA stability and loading into RISCs can impact RNAi efficiency, influencing cellular responses to environmental cues and developmental processes. Investigating small RNA biogenesis mechanisms enhances the understanding of RNAi regulation and offers insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting RNA-based gene silencing pathways.