scholarly journals MicroRNAs in Prion Diseases—From Molecular Mechanisms to Insights in Translational Medicine

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1620
Author(s):  
Danyel Fernandes Contiliani ◽  
Yasmin de Araújo Ribeiro ◽  
Vitor Nolasco de Moraes ◽  
Tiago Campos Pereira

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules able to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression via base-pairing with partially complementary sequences of target transcripts. Prion diseases comprise a singular group of neurodegenerative conditions caused by endogenous, misfolded pathogenic (prion) proteins, associated with molecular aggregates. In humans, classical prion diseases include Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome, and kuru. The aim of this review is to present the connections between miRNAs and prions, exploring how the interaction of both molecular actors may help understand the susceptibility, onset, progression, and pathological findings typical of such disorders, as well as the interface with some prion-like disorders, such as Alzheimer’s. Additionally, due to the inter-regulation of prions and miRNAs in health and disease, potential biomarkers for non-invasive miRNA-based diagnostics, as well as possible miRNA-based therapies to restore the levels of deregulated miRNAs on prion diseases, are also discussed. Since a cure or effective treatment for prion disorders still pose challenges, miRNA-based therapies emerge as an interesting alternative strategy to tackle such defying medical conditions.

Author(s):  
Sedighe Forouhari ◽  
Elahe Mahmoudi ◽  
Esmat Safdarian ◽  
Zahra Beygi ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Gheibi hayat

Abstract:: Male infertility is one of the major global health problems, in particular, in more than half of the affected men. Genetic factors are important for identifying men with idiopathic infertility along with semen analysis. Valid and useful information can be obtained through non-invasive molecular research. Among these, small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules of microRNAs (abbreviated miRNAs) are non-invasive biomarkers with a diagnostic value by regulating the post-transcriptional gene silence through repression and prevention of the translation process. The association between various types of male infertility and miRNA regulation changes has been evaluated to understand the biological function of miRNA and gene targets. Accordingly, further study of the function of miRNAs associated with reproductive disorders could lead researchers to further understand the molecular mechanisms of male infertility in order to find effective biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the present review article aimed at scrutinizing those researches investigating the altered miRNA expression in testicles, epididymis, and spermatozoa.


Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 148 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fulu Dong ◽  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Fei Xia ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Sidong Xiong ◽  
...  

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules of about 22 nucleotides that involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Evidence indicates that miRNAs play essential roles in endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, infertility and other reproductive system diseases. However, whether miRNAs are involved in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is unclear. In this work, we analysed the miRNA expression profiles in six pairs of villus or decidua from RSA patients and normal pregnancy (NP) women using a human miRNA microarray. Some of the chip results were confirmed by RT-qPCR. In the villi of RSA patients, expression of hsa-miR-184, hsa-miR-187 and hsa-miR-125b-2 was significantly higher, while expression of hsa-miR-520f, hsa-miR-3175 and hsa-miR-4672 was significantly lower, comparing with those of NP control. As well, a total of five miRNAs (hsa-miR-517c, hsa-miR-519a-1, hsa-miR-522, hsa-miR-520h and hsa-miR-184) were upregulated in the decidua of RSA patients. The target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by miRWalk, and we speculate a network of miRNA regulating RSA by target genes function on adhesion, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Our study may help clarify the molecular mechanisms which are involved in the progression of RSA, and provide a reference for future research.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3274
Author(s):  
Meer M. J. Amin ◽  
Christopher J. Trevelyan ◽  
Neil A. Turner

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed, non-coding RNA molecules that mediate the post-transcriptional repression and degradation of mRNAs by targeting their 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR). Thousands of miRNAs have been identified since their first discovery in 1993, and miR-214 was first reported to promote apoptosis in HeLa cells. Presently, miR-214 is implicated in an extensive range of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, bone formation and cell differentiation. MiR-214 has shown pleiotropic roles in contributing to the progression of diseases such as gastric and lung cancers but may also confer cardioprotection against excessive fibrosis and oxidative damage. These contrasting functions are achieved through the diverse cast of miR-214 targets. Through silencing or overexpressing miR-214, the detrimental effects can be attenuated, and the beneficial effects promoted in order to improve health outcomes. Therefore, discovering novel miR-214 targets and understanding how miR-214 is dysregulated in human diseases may eventually lead to miRNA-based therapies. MiR-214 has also shown promise as a diagnostic biomarker in identifying breast cancer and coronary artery disease. This review provides an up-to-date discussion of miR-214 literature by describing relevant roles in health and disease, areas of disagreement, and the future direction of the field.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Böhm ◽  
Marianna Vachalcova ◽  
Peter Snopek ◽  
Ljuba Bacharova ◽  
Dominika Komarova ◽  
...  

Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules responsible for regulation of gene expression. They are involved in many pathophysiological processes of a wide spectrum of diseases. Recent studies showed their involvement in atrial fibrillation. They seem to become potential screening biomarkers for atrial fibrillation and even treatment targets for this arrhythmia. The aim of this review article was to summarize the latest knowledge about miRNA and their molecular relation to the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 157 (48) ◽  
pp. 1900-1909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bálint Nagy ◽  
Zoltán Csanádi ◽  
Róbert Póka

There is a great interest to determine the physiological role of “free” nucleic acids, and to use them in the clinical diagnostics. These could be DNA, mRNA, microRNA and long non-coding RNA molecules, they are in the body fluids, like serum, tear, saliva, etc. Their exact role in the normal and pathological physiological processes is still in the focus of the research, while their use in the diagnostics is becoming more and more important. The use of „free” DNA in the non-invasive prenatal diagnosis is the first clinical application of the new generation sequencers, these methods are able to reach 99.9% specificity and sensitivity for the detection of the most common trisomies. There are promising results in their use in the diagnosis and classification of heart and cardiovascular diseases. In oncology the possibility to use the “liquid biopsy” captured the attention of not only researchers and clinicians, but the whole community. There is not enough data until today for the clinical utility and applicability of these methods. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(48), 1900–1909.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (41) ◽  
pp. 4368-4378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahesh Mundalil Vasu ◽  
Puthiripadath S. Sumitha ◽  
Parakkal Rahna ◽  
Ismail Thanseem ◽  
Ayyappan Anitha

Background: Efforts to unravel the extensive impact of the non-coding elements of the human genome on cell homeostasis and pathological processes have gained momentum over the last couple of decades. miRNAs refer to short, often 18-25 nucleotides long, non-coding RNA molecules which can regulate gene expression. Each miRNA can regulate several mRNAs. Methods: This article reviews the literature on the roles of miRNAs in autism. Results: Considering the fact that ~ 1% of the human DNA encodes different families of miRNAs, their overall impact as critical regulators of gene expression in the mammalian brain should be immense. Though the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are predominantly genetic in nature and several candidate genes are already identified, the highly heterogeneous and multifactorial nature of the disorder makes it difficult to identify common genetic risk factors. Several studies have suggested that the environmental factors may interact with the genetic factors to increase the risk. miRNAs could possibly be one of those factors which explain this link between genetics and the environment. Conclusion: In the present review, we have summarized our current knowledge on miRNAs and their complex roles in ASD, and also on their therapeutic applications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (11) ◽  
pp. 1141-1146
Author(s):  
David M Asher ◽  
Ermias Belay ◽  
Eileen Bigio ◽  
Sebastian Brandner ◽  
Scott A Brubaker ◽  
...  

Abstract Recent studies in animal models demonstrate that certain misfolded proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases can support templated misfolding of cognate native proteins, to propagate across neural systems, and to therefore have some of the properties of classical prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The National Institute of Aging convened a meeting to discuss the implications of these observations for research priorities. A summary of the discussion is presented here, with a focus on limitations of current knowledge, highlighting areas that appear to require further investigation in order to guide scientific practice while minimizing potential exposure or risk in the laboratory setting. The committee concluded that, based on all currently available data, although neurodegenerative disease-associated aggregates of several different non-prion proteins can be propagated from humans to experimental animals, there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest more than a negligible risk, if any, of a direct infectious etiology for the human neurodegenerative disorders defined in part by these proteins. Given the importance of this question, the potential for noninvasive human transmission of proteopathic disorders is deserving of further investigation.


Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Landrier ◽  
Adel Derghal ◽  
Lourdes Mounien

Metabolic disorders are characterized by the inability to properly use and/or store energy. The burdens of metabolic disease, such as obesity or diabetes, are believed to arise through a complex interplay between genetics and epigenetics predisposition, environment and nutrition. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms for the onset of metabolic disease will provide new insights for prevention and treatment. There is growing concern about the dysregulation of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) in metabolic diseases. MiRNAs are short non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally repress the expression of genes by binding to untranslated regions and coding sequences of the target mRNAs. This review aims to provide recent data about the potential involvement of miRNAs in metabolic diseases, particularly obesity and type 2 diabetes.


Author(s):  
Andreas Kappel ◽  
Andreas Keller

AbstractmicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. Their differential abundance is indicative or even causative for a variety of pathological processes including cancer or cardiovascular disorders. Due to their important biological function, miRNAs represent a promising class of novel biomarkers that may be used to diagnose life-threatening diseases, and to monitor disease progression. Further, they may guide treatment selection or dosage of drugs. miRNAs from blood or derived fractions are particularly interesting candidates for routine laboratory applications, as they can be measured in most clinical laboratories already today. This assures a good accessibility of respective tests. Albeit their great potential, miRNA-based diagnostic tests have not made their way yet into the clinical routine, and hence no standardized workflows have been established to measure miRNAs for patients’ benefit. In this review we summarize the detection technologies and workflow options that exist to measure miRNAs, and we describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options. Moreover, we also provide a perspective on data analysis aspects that are vital for translation of raw data into actionable diagnostic test results.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Valeria Domenica Zingale ◽  
Agnese Gugliandolo ◽  
Emanuela Mazzon

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and that play an important role in many cellular processes, including modulation of inflammation. MiRNAs are present in high concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS) and are spatially and temporally expressed in a specific way. Therefore, an imbalance in the expression pattern of these small molecules can be involved in the development of neurological diseases. Generally, CNS responds to damage or disease through the activation of an inflammatory response, but many neurological disorders are characterized by uncontrolled neuroinflammation. Many studies support the involvement of miRNAs in the activation or inhibition of inflammatory signaling and in the promotion of uncontrolled neuroinflammation with pathological consequences. MiR-155 is a pro-inflammatory mediator of the CNS and plays an important regulatory role. The purpose of this review is to summarize how miR-155 is regulated and the pathological consequences of its deregulation during neuroinflammatory disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other neuroinflammatory disorders. Modulation of miRNAs’ expression could be used as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of pathological neuroinflammation.


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