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Post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression by degradation of messenger RNAs
Author(s) -
Bevilacqua Annamaria,
Ceriani Maria Cristina,
Capaccioli Sergio,
Nicolin Angelo
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/jcp.10272
Subject(s) - messenger rna , gene expression , biology , microrna , regulation of gene expression , gene , microvesicles , rna , protein degradation , computational biology , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
Recent evidence suggests that gene expression may be regulated, at least in part, at post‐transcriptional level by factors inducing the extremely rapid degradation of messenger RNAs. These factors include reactions between adenyl‐uridyl‐rich elements (AREs) of the relevant mRNA and either specific proteins that bind to these elements or exosomes. This review deals with examples of the proteins (AU‐rich binding proteins, AUBPs) and exosomes, which have been shown to form complexes with AREs and bring about rapid degradation of the relevant mRNA, and with certain other factors, which protect the RNA from such degradation. The biochemical and physiological factors underlying the stability of messenger RNAs carrying the ARE motifs will be reviewed in the light of their emerging significance for cell physiology, human pathology, and molecular medicine. We also consider the possible application of the results of recent insights into the mechanisms to pharmacological interventions to prevent or cure disorders, especially developmental disorders, which the suppression of gene expression may bring about. Molecular targeting of specific steps in protein degradation by synthetic compounds has already been utilized for the development of pharmacological therapies. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.