Non-Coding RNAs in Gene Regulation

Flashcards covering the key concepts and definitions related to non-coding RNAs and their roles in gene regulation.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)

RNAs that do not encode a protein but are involved in regulation at various stages of gene expression.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)

Non-coding RNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides.

Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs)

Non-coding RNAs that are shorter than 200 nucleotides, including microRNAs (miRNAs).

MicroRNAs (miRNAs)

Small non-coding RNAs typically 20 to 25 nucleotides long, which regulate gene expression by inhibiting translation.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A biological process in which non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs, silence gene expression by degrading targeted mRNAs.

XIST lncRNA

A long non-coding RNA that plays a critical role in X-chromosome inactivation in mammals.

Decoy

A type of non-coding RNA that sequesters another ncRNA, preventing it from inhibiting a cellular process.

Blocker

A non-coding RNA that physically prevents or blocks a cellular process from occurring.

Guide

A non-coding RNA that binds to a protein and directs it to a specific site within the cell.

Scaffold

A non-coding RNA that provides multiple binding sites for a group of proteins, altering their structure or function.