The spelling of the term "Masked Messenger RNA" follows the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. Specifically, the "a" in "masked" is pronounced /æ/, the "e" in "messenger" is pronounced /ɛ/, and the final "a" in "messenger" is pronounced /ə/. The "r" in "messenger" is pronounced /r/, and "RNA" is pronounced /ɑr en ˈe/. This term refers to a type of messenger RNA that has been modified to avoid detection by the immune system. It plays a significant role in gene expression and is critical to understanding various diseases.
Masked messenger RNA (masked mRNA) is a modified form of messenger RNA (mRNA) that has undergone certain post-transcriptional modifications in order to regulate gene expression within cells. This term often refers to the process in which a cap structure is added at the 5' end of mature mRNA molecules, which allows them to be recognized by the translation machinery and subsequently translated into functional proteins.
The modification of mRNA to a masked form serves as a protective mechanism against premature degradation and ensures proper timing and regulation of gene expression. It involves the addition of a methylated guanosine cap structure at the 5' end of the mRNA molecule, known as the 5' cap. This cap is crucial for the recognition of the mRNA by ribosomes during translation initiation, as well as for stability and processing of the RNA molecule.
The masking process occurs via a series of enzymatic reactions, which include the addition of a methyl group to the guanine residue at the 5' end of the mRNA. This modification masks the exposed mRNA ends from degradation enzymes, ensuring the integrity and stability of the mRNA molecule.
Overall, masked mRNA plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by protecting mRNA molecules from premature degradation and facilitating their translation into functional proteins.