RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)

Definition

RISC is a multiprotein complex that incorporates one strand of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) or microRNA (miRNA). It uses this as a template for recognizing complementary mRNA molecules and cleaving them, thereby preventing their translation.

Analogy

Think of RISC as a security guard at a concert. The siRNA or miRNA is like the guest list - anyone not on the list (any mRNA with matching sequence) gets kicked out, preventing them from participating in the concert (being translated into protein).

Related terms

Argonaute Proteins: These are proteins that bind to small RNAs and are key components of the RISC complex.

Gene Silencing: A general term describing epigenetic processes of gene regulation where a gene is made inactive.

Translation: The process by which ribosomes in the cytoplasm synthesize proteins after the process transcription of DNA to RNA in the cell's nucleus.