What are the functions of microRNA (miRNA)?

miRNAs primarily function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs. This interaction typically leads to translational repression or mRNA degradation, thereby controlling the abundance of target proteins in the cell. Additionally, miRNAs play critical roles in regulating developmental processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation. Specifically, they contribute to the formation and maintenance of various tissues and organs during embryonic development and play a role in tissue homeostasis. miRNAs also play critical roles in apoptosis. They regulate the expression of genes involved in apoptotic pathways, influencing cell survival in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic signals. miRNAs can also act like molecular regulators in cell-to-cell communication.