2.1. RNA INTERFERENCE (RNAi)

Question 1

RNAi

Answer 1

1. RNA interference

2. Process of sequence-specific (homology-dependent) gene silencing initiated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)

Question 2

miRNA

Answer 2

MicroRNA

Question 3

Pri-mRNA

Answer 3

1. Primary miRNA

2. Large RNA

Question 4

Monocistronic

Answer 4

Single hairpin loop

Question 5

Polycistronic

Answer 5

Multiple hairpin loops

Question 6

Pre-miRNA

Answer 6

Precursor miRNA

Question 7

Drosha

Answer 7

1. dsRNA-binding partner (DGCR8)
2. Process Pri-miRNA to pre-miRNA
3. Drosha + DGCR8 => microprocessing complex

Question 8

Exportin-5

Answer 8

XPO5

Question 9

Dicer

Answer 9

1. dsRNA-binding partner TRBP

2. Process pre-miRNA to miRNA duplex

Question 10

RISC

Answer 10

RNA Induced Silencing Complex

Contains Ago-2

Question 11

Mature miRNA/ guide

Answer 11

Guides complex to complementary mRNA Wh I his silenced

Question 12

Perfect match

Answer 12

Silencing occurring through the degradation of mRNA

Question 13

Imperfect match

Answer 13

Inhibition of translation

Question 14

Downregulation

Answer 14

Target oncogene

Question 15

Upregulation

Answer 15

Target a tumor suppressor

Question 16

dsRNA

Answer 16

Double-stranded RNA initiating RNA interference

Question 17

What are the two functions of viruses and miRNA?

Answer 17

1. Viral miRNA shown to inhibit cellular factors involved in innate/ adaptive immunity
   - human cytomegalovirus
   - Kaposi’s Sarcoma Associated herpesvirus
   - Epstein-Barr virus
   • downregulate natural killer cell Logan MICB
   • Epstein-Barr virus encoded miRNA also downregulate Pri-apoptotic protein PUMA
2. Other viral miRNA downregulate expression of viral proteins
   - Herpes simplex virus 1 maintains latent state by down-regulating immediate - early trans activators (ICPO & ICP4)