Messenger RNA (mRNA) processing involves a series of modifications that convert pre-mRNA transcripts into mature, functional mRNA molecules. Such processes ensure that the mRNA is accurately transcribed, spliced, and modified before tranport to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. MRNA processing begins in the nucleus during transcription by RNA polymerase II synthesizing the pre-mRNA. As it emerges from the transcription apparatus, a 5' cap structure called the 7-methylguanosine cap is enzymatically added to the 5' end of the pre-mRNA. This cap is essential for mRNA stability, transport, and translation initiation. It also protects the mRNA from degradation at its 5’ end. Many eukaryotic genes contain introns (non-coding regions) interspersed amongst coding sequences (exons). Pre-mRNA splicing removes introns and joins exons together to create a contiguous mRNA coding sequence and is carried out by spliceosomes composed of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and other proteins. Alternative splicing, a key feature of mRNA processing, allows for the generation of multiple mRNA isoforms from a single gene, increasing proteome diversity. One example is the alternative splicing of the Dscam (Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule) gene in Drosophila involved in neuronal development, where mutually exclusive alternative splicing of exon 4, which has 48 alternative versions, together with other alternative exon choice, contribute to a very large diversity of protein isoform that can be produced from this gene. At the 3' end of the pre-mRNA, a polyadenylation signal sequence (AAUAAA) is recognized by the polyadenylation complex. This complex adds a poly(A) tail consisting of multiple adenosine nucleotides to the 3' end of the mRNA. The poly(A) tail plays a crucial role in mRNA stability, nuclear export, and translation initiation. It also protects the mRNA from 3’ exonuclease degradation. The length of the poly(A) tail can vary, affecting mRNA stability and translational efficiency. In some cases, mRNA processing includes the process of RNA editing, whereby specific nucleotides within the pre-mRNA are altered post-transcriptionally. The most common type of RNA editing is adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing, catalysed by enzymes like Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA (ADAR). RNA editing can lead to changes in the coding sequence of the mRNA, potentially generating protein isoforms with altered functions. An example is the editing of the glutamate receptor GluA2 mRNA in neurones, which influences synaptic transmission. Eukaryotic cells have stringent quality control mechanisms to ensure that only correctly processed and functional mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm for translation. These quality control steps involve surveillance of mRNA splicing, capping, and polyadenylation. Defective mRNAs are typically targeted for degradation through a process called nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). NMD helps prevent the translation of mRNAs with premature stop codons, ensuring the production of functional proteins. Mature, processed mRNAs are transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). Specific proteins, called mRNA export factors, recognize and bind to mature, processed mRNAs. These export factors escort the mRNA through the NPC. The key export factor responsible for mRNA export in eukaryotic cells is known as NXF1 (Nuclear Export Factor 1) in humans. We provide a wide product catalogue of research tools for studying miRNA processing, including Lin28 antibodies. Explore our full miRNA processing product range below and discover more, for less.