Competing endogenous RNAs act as molecular 'sponges.' What does this mean, and what do they compete with?

Key Concepts

Competing Endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs)

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are RNA molecules that can regulate each other's activity by competing for shared microRNAs (miRNAs). This interaction can influence gene expression by altering the availability of miRNAs, which typically bind to target mRNAs to inhibit their translation or promote degradation. By acting as 'sponges,' ceRNAs can sequester miRNAs, thereby preventing them from interacting with their intended mRNA targets.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. They bind to complementary sequences on target mRNAs, leading to translational repression or degradation of the mRNA. In the context of ceRNAs, miRNAs are the key molecules that are 'sponged' or sequestered, which can alter the levels of gene expression by changing the availability of miRNAs to their target mRNAs.

Molecular Sponges

The term 'molecular sponges' refers to the ability of certain RNA molecules to absorb or sequester miRNAs, thereby preventing them from performing their regulatory functions on other mRNAs. This concept highlights the competitive nature of RNA interactions within the cell, where the presence of one RNA can influence the activity of others by modulating the availability of miRNAs. This dynamic can have significant implications for cellular processes and gene regulation.