I am currently wondering whether it is possible to directly load single stranded short RNA sequences into RISC.
Is there a requirement for the input molecules to RISC to be double stranded?
If so, is there a requirement for them to have a loop on one side?
If no loop is required wouldn't then invading or waste molecules that were cut into small pieces (e.g.: for defense) also be loaded into RISC (that would really give new meaning to the name risc)?
Any answer, also partial answers and speculations are very welcome.
Dear Jens, ssRNA can act as a guide RNA as well. The following review may help you: Chak & Okamura, Argonaute-dependent small RNAs derived from single-stranded, non-structured precursors. Frontiers in Genetics (2014)
I am entertaining similar thoughts although the article mentioned above offers insights on ssRNAs to be useful.
I am asking this question because others do not think like this or have proof that there are other mechanisms possible.
Why is it that we use NGS to sequence small RNAs in body fluids and then try to name them miRNAs while most of the RNA is probably just resulting from normal degradation processes.
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