ROLE OF NON-CODING RNAS IN POST-TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF CELLULAR PROCESSES

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have become an important regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression with varied molecular mechanisms that control diverse cellular functions. This literature review seeks to explain the functional role of major classes of ncRNA, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the regulation of mRNA stability, translation, and degradation. A thorough literature based review of the latest discoveries was done to address the biogenesis, regulatory association, and functional roles of such ncRNAs and their connections in cellular pathways. The results show that the ncRNAs have a specific and dynamic regulation of gene expression by interplaying with target mRNAs and protein complexes, and have influence on cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell apoptosis, and stress-response. In addition, it has been firmly linked that the ncRNAs networks are dysregulated in the pathogenesis of different diseases, such as cancer, neurological issues, and cardiovascular diseases. To sum up, ncRNAs are a unique level of post-transcriptional control, which promises much in terms of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic drugs of modern molecular medicine.