Several factors influence mRNA stability, including:
RNA-binding proteins: These proteins can either stabilize or destabilize mRNA molecules. microRNAs (miRNAs): These small non-coding RNAs can bind to mRNA and lead to its degradation. mRNA modifications: Chemical modifications such as methylation can affect mRNA stability. mRNA secondary structure: The folding of the mRNA molecule can influence its interactions with other molecules, thus affecting its stability.
