Biomedical subjects

V Narry Kim

Publications and source records attributed to V Narry Kim.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

RNA interference in functional genomics and medicine.

RNA interference (RNAi) is the sequence-specific gene silencing induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Being a highly specific and efficient knockdown technique, RNAi not only provides a powerful tool for functional genomics but also holds a promise for gene therapy. The key player in RNAi is small RNA (approximately 22-nt) termed siRNA. Small RNAs are involved not only in RNAi but also in basic cellular processes, such as developmental control and heterochromatin formation. The interesting biology as well as the remarkable technical value has been drawing widespread attention to this exciting new field.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

MicroRNA maturation: stepwise processing and subcellular localization.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a novel, phylogenetically extensive family of small RNAs ( approximately 22 nucleotides) with potential roles in gene regulation. Apart from the finding that miRNAs are produced by Dicer from the precursors of approximately 70 nucleotides (pre-miRNAs), little is known about miRNA biogenesis. Some miRNA genes have been found in close conjunction, suggesting that they are expressed as single transcriptional units. Here, we present in vivo and in vitro evidence that these clustered miRNAs are expressed polycistronically and are processed through at least two sequential steps: (i) generation of the approximately 70 nucleotide pre-miRNAs from the longer transcripts (termed pri-miRNAs); and (ii) processing of pre-miRNAs into mature miRNAs. Subcellular localization studies showed that the first and second steps are compartmentalized into the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively, and that the pre-miRNA serves as the substrate for nuclear export. Our study suggests that the regulation of miRNA expression may occur at multiple levels, including the two processing steps and the nuclear export step. These data will provide a framework for further studies on miRNA biogenesis.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed2002

Messenger-RNA-binding proteins and the messages they carry.

From sites of transcription in the nucleus to the outreaches of the cytoplasm, messenger RNAs are associated with RNA-binding proteins. These proteins influence pre-mRNA processing as well as the transport, localization, translation and stability of mRNAs. Recent discoveries have shown that one group of these proteins marks exon exon junctions and has a role in mRNA export. These proteins communicate crucial information to the translation machinery for the surveillance of nonsense mutations and for mRNA localization and translation.

Animals↗