What is the untranslated region?

The untranslated region (UTR) is a region present at both the 5' and 3' ends of the mRNA molecule. It is also called the non-coding region, as it does not code for any part of the protein. Instead, UTRs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by controlling the stability, translation efficiency, and localization of the mRNA molecule.

The 5' UTR contains the transcription start site, the cap structure, and the internal ribosome entry site (IRES), which helps the ribosome initiate translation. The 3' UTR contains various regulatory elements, including the poly (A) tail, the AU-rich elements (AREs), and the microRNA (miRNA) binding sites, which determine the half-life of the mRNA molecule and its ability to be translated.

Mutations or abnormalities in the UTRs can result in several genetic disorders, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental disorders, by impairing gene expression. Therefore, UTRs are a crucial area of research in molecular biology and genetics.