Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a diverse class of RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but play crucial roles in various biological processes. They are involved in gene regulation, influencing the expression of coding genes through mechanisms such as transcriptional silencing and epigenetic modification. Examples of ncRNAs include microRNAs (miRNAs), which can bind to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to inhibit their translation, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which can interact with chromatin and transcription factors to regulate gene activity. Additionally, ncRNAs are implicated in critical cellular processes such as RNA splicing, genome organization, and cell differentiation. Their functions are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to environmental changes, highlighting their importance in both normal development and disease states.
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