About MicroRNA Patrol

Guide Argonaute complexes to silence mRNA in this free online gene regulation game about microRNA and RNA interference.

MicroRNA Patrol is a free online gene regulation game where you steer Argonaute complexes to silence messenger RNAs, choosing between exact cleavage and partial dimmer braking. This molecular biology game plays out post-transcriptional control in real time.

MicroRNAs are tiny RNA guides that patrol the cell for matching messages. Loaded into Argonaute to form the RISC complex, a microRNA reads mRNAs through its seed sequence, a short stretch that decides targets. Perfect matches get catalytically sliced in two while partial matches just jam the translation machinery and slow protein output.

That dial between kill and dampen is why cells love microRNAs. A single microRNA can fine-tune hundreds of transcripts at once, coordinating whole programs during development and stress. When this regulation breaks, cancer and metabolic disease follow, which is why miRNA mimics and inhibitors are now reaching clinical trials.

Key Science Concepts

• Argonaute and the RISC complex
• Seed sequence target recognition
• Catalytic mRNA cleavage
• Translational repression
• Post-transcriptional gene control
• MicroRNA in disease and therapy

What You'll Learn

• Explain how RISC finds and silences mRNA targets
• Distinguish cleavage from translational repression
• Describe one-to-many regulation by a single miRNA
• Connect miRNA dysfunction to disease

Grade Level: College

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How to play

1. Patrol Cytoplasm Guide Argonaute to intercept streaming mRNA convoys leaving the nucleus.
2. Seed-Match Brake Fire partial seed match (bases 2-8) at overactive mRNAs to cut translation by 50%.
3. Exact Cleavage Fire exact match guides to slice mutant mRNAs in two before toxic translation occurs.

Frequently asked questions

Is MicroRNA Patrol free to play?

Yes. MicroRNA Patrol is completely free to play in your browser. There is no download, install or account needed.

What grade level is MicroRNA Patrol for?

MicroRNA Patrol is designed for College students and works well as a classroom activity or homework.

Does MicroRNA Patrol work on phones and tablets?

Yes. MicroRNA Patrol runs in any modern browser on desktop computers, Chromebooks, tablets and phones in landscape mode.

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