RNA activation, specifically exogenous RNA activation (RNAa), is triggered by artificially designed small activating RNAs (saRNAs). These saRNAs target specific non-coding regions of a gene, such as:
- The promoter region, which initiates gene transcription.
- The 3' terminus of a gene, influencing mRNA stability and translation.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
How saRNAs Activate RNA
Design and Synthesis
saRNAs are designed to interact with specific sequences in a gene's non-coding region. These saRNAs can be produced in two ways:
- Chemically Synthesized: These are directly created using chemical methods.
- Expressed as Short Hairpin RNA (shRNA): These are transcribed from DNA templates and form hairpin-like structures.
Mechanism of Activation
The specific mechanism of saRNA activation is complex and still under study. However, it is understood that saRNAs target non-coding regions of the gene and initiate transcription of that gene.
Examples of Targeted Regions
| Targeted Region | Function | saRNA Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Promoter | Initiates transcription of a gene. | Enhances the binding of transcription factors, increasing gene expression. |
| 3' Terminus | Affects mRNA stability and translation efficiency. | Stabilizes the mRNA molecule, promoting increased protein production. |
Practical Applications
- Therapeutic Applications: RNAa is being explored as a potential treatment for diseases where increasing the expression of certain genes might be beneficial.
- Research Tool: saRNAs can be utilized to study the role of different genes in various biological processes.
Summary
In summary, RNA activation, particularly exogenous RNAa, is triggered by artificially designed saRNAs. These saRNAs target non-coding regions of genes (like promoters or 3' termini) to increase gene expression. They can be chemically synthesized or expressed as short hairpin RNA.
