Chemicals and Drugs

Messenger RNA

RNA sequences that serve as templates for protein synthesis. Bacterial mRNAs are generally primary transcripts in that they do not require post-transcriptional processing. Eukaryotic mRNA is synthesized in the nucleus and must be exported to the cytoplasm for translation. Most eukaryotic mRNAs have a sequence of polyadenylic acid at the 3' end, referred to as the poly(A) tail. The function of this tail is not known for certain, but it may play a role in the export of mature mRNA from the nucleus as well as in helping stabilize some mRNA molecules by retarding their degradation in the cytoplasm.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

RNA sequences that serve as templates for protein synthesis. Bacterial mRNAs are generally primary transcripts in that they do not require post-transcriptional processing. Eukaryotic mRNA is synthesized in the nucleus and must be exported to the cytoplasm for translation. Most eukaryotic mRNAs have a sequence of polyadenylic acid at the 3' end, referred to as the poly(A) tail. The function of this tail is not known for certain, but it may play a role in the export of mature mRNA from the nucleus as well as in helping stabilize some mRNA molecules by retarding their degradation in the cytoplasm.

MeSH Record

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

18 entry terms
  • RNA, Messenger
  • mRNA
  • Messenger RNA, Polyadenylated
  • Non-Polyadenylated mRNA
  • Poly(A) RNA
  • Poly(A) Tail
  • Poly(A)+ RNA
  • Poly(A)+ mRNA
  • Polyadenylated mRNA
  • RNA, Messenger, Polyadenylated
  • RNA, Polyadenylated
  • mRNA, Non-Polyadenylated
  • mRNA, Polyadenylated
  • Non Polyadenylated mRNA
  • Polyadenylated Messenger RNA
  • Polyadenylated RNA
  • RNA, Polyadenylated Messenger
  • mRNA, Non Polyadenylated

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

29 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, drug effects, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, ultrastructure, urine.

MeSH Record

History Note

65(64); MRNA, NON-POLYADENYLATED was NON-POLYADENYLATED MRNA (NM) 1981-94; MRNA, POLYADENYLATED was POLYADENYLATED MRNA (NM) 1980-94; POLY(A)+ RNA was SY to POLY(A) RNA (NM) 1980-94

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. D13.444w.735w.544w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QU 58.7

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Messenger RNA. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D012333. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D012333
  2. Messenger RNA. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messenger_RNA
  3. Messenger RNA. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188928