Abstract
RNAi is a collection of processes mediated by small RNAs that silence gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. Studies of processes as divergent as post-transcriptional gene silencing, transcriptional silencing through RNA-directed DNA methylation, or heterochromatin formation, and even RNA-guided DNA elimination have converged on a core pathway. This review will highlight recent structural and mechanistic studies illustrating siRNA and miRNA processing, RISC formation, the execution of RNAi by RISC, and the regulation of these pathways, with a specific focus on vertebrate systems.
2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adenosine Deaminase / metabolism
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Animals
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DNA Methylation
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Endoribonucleases / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation*
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Gene Silencing*
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Humans
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
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Models, Molecular
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Nuclear Receptor Coactivators
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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RNA Interference*
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RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
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RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism*
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RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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RNA-Induced Silencing Complex / metabolism
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Ribonuclease III / chemistry
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Ribonuclease III / genetics
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Ribonuclease III / metabolism
Substances
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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NCOA6 protein, human
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Nuclear Receptor Coactivators
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PRKRA protein, human
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RNA, Small Interfering
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RNA-Binding Proteins
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RNA-Induced Silencing Complex
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Endoribonucleases
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argonaute protein, Aquiflex aeolicus
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DROSHA protein, human
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Ribonuclease III
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ADARB1 protein, human
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Adenosine Deaminase