The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
molecules that regulate gene expression by sequestering microRNAs
Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are molecules within cells that can regulate gene expression by "competing" for shared microRNAs. Essentially, they act like sponges, binding to microRNAs and preventing these microRNAs from attaching to their usual target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which would otherwise inhibit the production of certain proteins. This mechanism plays a crucial role in various biological processes and diseases, including cancer and hair loss conditions like alopecia.