Slide 22

The Role of MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs also can indirectly interfere with gene expression in a person. These small RNA molecules play an important role in controlling gene activity by regulating a process known as translation. In translation, another type of RNA molecule, called a messenger RNA, which is produced by copying the genetic code of a gene, is used as a template to make proteins. There are many different types of microRNAs, and a single microRNA species can affect the expression of many different proteins. Changes in microRNA levels have been linked to several human cancers.