Question

Describe how RBPs can prevent miRNAs from degrading an RNA molecule.

a) RBPs bind to miRNAs, promoting RNA degradation
b) RBPs block miRNA binding sites on RNA molecules
c) RBPs enhance miRNA activity on RNA molecules
d) RBPs have no interaction with miRNAs

Answer 1

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can prevent microRNAs (miRNAs) from degrading RNA molecules by binding to untranslated regions of the RNA, blocking miRNA binding sites and protecting the RNA from miRNA-induced degradation.

Step-by-step explanation:

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a crucial role in the regulation of RNA stability. One of their functions is to protect RNA molecules from degradation by microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small RNA molecules that target RNA for degradation through a complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). However, RBPs can prevent this degradation process by binding to the untranslated regions (UTRs) of the RNA molecule, specifically the 5' UTR or the 3' UTR. This binding can shield the RNA from miRNA interaction, preventing miRNA access and the subsequent RISC-mediated degradation. It is essential to understand that while the presence of RBPs at the UTRs can influence RNA stability, the interaction between RBPs and miRNAs is mainly characterized by competition for binding sites on the RNA sequence. Therefore, RBPs can effectively block miRNA binding sites on RNA molecules, hindering miRNA's ability to degrade the target RNA.