Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small and important RNA molecules. They can regulate gene expression at different levels. Although their biogenesis has been well documented, elucidation of miRNA-dependent activation of mRNA translation has just begun. Here, we highlighted different patterns of miRNA-dependent activation of mRNA translation: miRNA can activate mRNA translation through binding different target sites; in different sub-cellular locations; under different cellular circumstances. MiRNA-dependent activation of mRNA translation suggests unexpected functions of miRNA, that could provide new clues in functional studies of other ncRNAs.

Keywords: Cellular circumstance, gene expression, miRNA, sub-cellular location, target site, translational activation.

Graphical Abstract