1
|
Kugaevskaya EV, Timoshenko OS, Gureeva TA, Radko SP, Lisitsa AV. MicroRNAs as promising diagnostic and prognostic markers for the human genitourinary cancer. BIOMEDITSINSKAIA KHIMIIA 2024; 70:191-205. [PMID: 39239894 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20247004191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Genitourinary cancer (GUC) represents more than one fifth of all human cancers. This makes the development of approaches to its early diagnosis an important task of modern biomedicine. Circulating microRNAs, short (17-25 nucleotides) non-coding RNA molecules found in human biological fluids and performing a regulatory role in the cell, are considered as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of cancers, including GUC. In this review we have considered the current state of research aimed at assessing microRNAs as biomarkers of such human GUC types as malignant tumors of the bladder, kidney, prostate, testicles, ovaries, and cervix. A special attention has been paid to studies devoted to the identification of microRNAs in urine as a surrogate "liquid biopsy" that may provide the simplest and cheapest approach to mass non-invasive screening of human GUC. The use of microRNA panels instead of single types of microRNA generally leads to higher sensitivity and specificity of the developed diagnostic tests. However, to date, work on the microRNAs assessment as biomarkers of human GUC is still of a research nature, and the further introduction of diagnostic tests based on microRNAs into practice requires successful clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - T A Gureeva
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - S P Radko
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Lisitsa
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bang S, Choi D, Shin J, Kim J, Choi Y, Lee SE, Hong S. Automated System for Attomolar-Level Detection of MiRNA as a Biomarker for Influenza A Virus. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:33897-33906. [PMID: 38902962 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
We have developed an automated sensing system for the repeated detection of a specific microRNA (miRNA) of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. In this work, magnetic particles functionalized with DNAs, target miRNAs, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) enzymes formed sandwich structures. These particles were trapped on nickel (Ni) patterns of our sensor chip by an external magnetic field. Then, additional electrical signals from electrochemical markers generated by ALP enzymes were measured using the sensor, enabling the highly sensitive detection of target miRNA. The magnetic particles used on the sensor were easily removed by applying the opposite direction of external magnetic fields, which allowed us to repeat sensing measurements. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the detection of miRNA-1254, one of the biomarkers for the H1N1 virus, with a high sensitivity down to 1 aM in real time. Moreover, our sensor could selectively detect the target from other miRNA samples. Importantly, our sensor chip showed reliable electrical signals even after six repeated miRNA sensing measurements. Furthermore, we achieved technical advances to utilize our sensor platform as part of an automated sensing system. In this regard, our reusable sensing platform could be utilized for versatile applications in the field of miRNA detection and basic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunwoo Bang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Danmin Choi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Junghyun Shin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeongsu Kim
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Yoonji Choi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Seunghun Hong
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fattahi M, Rahdan F, Shaterabadi D, Zamani Sani M, Alizadeh M, Khatami SH, Taheri-Anganeh M, Movahedpour A, Ghasemi H. MicroRNA biosensors for the detection of liver cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 554:117796. [PMID: 38272250 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the deadliest types worldwide and early diagnosis is highly important for successful treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop rapid, sensitive, simple, and inexpensive analytical tools for its detection. MicroRNAs (miRNA) represent unique biomarkers whose expression in biofluids is strongly associated with cancer in general and miR-21, -31, -122, -145, -146a, -200c, -221, -222, and -223 in liver cancer, specifically. Various biosensors for miRNA detection have been developed. These include electrochemical biosensors based on amperometric, potentiometric, conductometric and impedimetric technology. Furthermore, the use of advanced nanomaterials with enhanced chemical stability, conductivity and electrocatalytic activity have greatly increased the sensitivity and specificity of these devices. The present review focuses on recent advances in electrochemical biosensors for miRNA detection in liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Fattahi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Fereshteh Rahdan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Donya Shaterabadi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Zamani Sani
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Alizadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li K, An N, Wu L, Wang M, Li F, Li L. Absolute quantification of microRNAs based on mass transport limitation under a laminar flow SPR system. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 244:115776. [PMID: 37951205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
As an important biomarker for diagnostics and therapeutics of various diseases, the low-cost, quantitative detection method of microRNAs (miRNAs) has recently caught broad attention. However, their small size and low abundance still derive challenges to quantification detection. In this study, we developed an ultrasensitive and multiplexed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for quantifying miRNAs without standard. We introduced the mass transport limitation (MTL) strategy for the absolute quantification of miRNAs. We first explore the mechanism of DNA capture and the condition for triggering MTL on the SPR biosensor. We demonstrated that probes of 22-25 nt in length with fewer influences of the secondary structure provide better triggering of MTL. For proof of concept studies, let-7a, miR-155 and miR-21 were selected as candidate targets. Based on the structure and kinetics analysis, we demonstrate the best capture probe efficiency, and this biosensor's limit of detection (LOD) is 500 fM without any signal amplification. Furthermore, our biosensor achieves multiplex detection, which could detect three targets simultaneously. The quantitative results of miRNA indicated the great prospects of our biosensor in nucleic acid-related early diagnosis and biosensing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Na An
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Liqing Wu
- National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Fukai Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tregub PP, Ibrahimli I, Averchuk AS, Salmina AB, Litvitskiy PF, Manasova ZS, Popova IA. The Role of microRNAs in Epigenetic Regulation of Signaling Pathways in Neurological Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12899. [PMID: 37629078 PMCID: PMC10454825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent times, there has been a significant increase in researchers' interest in the functions of microRNAs and the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of many multifactorial diseases. This is related to the diagnostic and prognostic potential of microRNA expression levels as well as the prospects of using it in personalized targeted therapy. This review of the literature analyzes existing scientific data on the involvement of microRNAs in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, and dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel P. Tregub
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific and Educational Resource Center “Innovative Technologies of Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis”, RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irada Ibrahimli
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alla B. Salmina
- Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Peter F. Litvitskiy
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zaripat Sh. Manasova
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Inga A. Popova
- Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
New method for microRNA detection based on multimerization. Anal Biochem 2023; 664:115049. [PMID: 36639117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Detection of specific microRNA (miRNA) is of great demand due to their essential role in genes regulation, stress response and development of diseases. However, mature miRNAs are small molecules that make it difficult to use routine amplification-based methods. Here, we report an approach for detection of miRNA based on a new type of isothermal amplification, namely, multimerization. The proposed technique is simple and versatile, excludes a reverse transcription step, and requires two conventional primers only and no additional stem-loop or fluorogenic probes. Only mature miRNAs can initiate multimerization, thereby, pri- or pre-miRNA are excluded from analysis, ensuring high accuracy of the assay. The approach was approved on miRNA from common wheat Triticum aestivum; the increase of Tae-miRNA159 level for plants affected by Stagonospora nodorum Berk infection was demonstrated. The obtained results allow to perform quantitative analysis, providing determination of specific targets with high reliability (detection limit of about 20 pM).
Collapse
|
7
|
Fu H, Yang J, Xin B, Yan Z, Zhu Y. Accentuated Hippo pathway and elevated miR-132 and miR-195a lead to changes of uteri and ovaries in offspring mice following prenatal exposure to vinclozolin. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 116:108335. [PMID: 36642194 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vinclozolin (VCZ) has been identified as a broad-spectrum fungicide and an environmental endocrine disruptor. Also, the Hippo signaling pathway controls organ size by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, and moreover, overexpression of microRNA-132 (miR-132) and microRNA-195 (miR-195) inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. So, in this study, the experimental mice were orally given 400 mg/kg/day VCZ (suspended in corn oil) at gestational day 12-18, while those of the control group were fed with corn oil of equal volume. Then unilateral ovaries and mid-uteri were isolated from 10 randomly-selected mice at the postnatal 1st week (7 days), 3rd week (20-21 days), and 7th week (48-49 days) respectively to observe gene levels, while 6 of the contralateral ovaries and uteri were subsequently examined for proteins respectively. Besides, 16 from both groups were determined with serum estradiol (E2) at week 7, of which 6 were randomized for histological observation. Here we found the levels of E2 reduced in VCZ-group at week 7, with fewer follicles and injured endometrium. Meanwhile, in VCZ mice of all ages, increased miR-132 and miR-195a, decreased G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), elevated phosphorylated large tumor suppressor (pLATS) and phosphorylated yes-associated protein (pYAP), and decreased yes-associated protein (YAP) were observed in their ovaries and uteri. These findings suggested ovarian and uterine dysplasia in the offspring induced by gestational VCZ-exposure were mainly attributed to higher miR-132 and miR-195a and accentuated Hippo-pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hu Fu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan normal university, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Jinru Yang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan normal university, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Department of Immunization Planning, Hanzhong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hanzhong City 723000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bingyan Xin
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan normal university, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Zhengli Yan
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan normal university, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Yongfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan normal university, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ratre P, Nazeer N, Kumari R, Thareja S, Jain B, Tiwari R, Kamthan A, Srivastava RK, Mishra PK. Carbon-Based Fluorescent Nano-Biosensors for the Detection of Cell-Free Circulating MicroRNAs. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:226. [PMID: 36831992 PMCID: PMC9953975 DOI: 10.3390/bios13020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as potential risks for humans due to adopting a sedentary lifestyle and inaccurate diagnoses. The early detection of NCDs using point-of-care technologies significantly decreases the burden and will be poised to transform clinical intervention and healthcare provision. An imbalance in the levels of circulating cell-free microRNAs (ccf-miRNA) has manifested in NCDs, which are passively released into the bloodstream or actively produced from cells, improving the efficacy of disease screening and providing enormous sensing potential. The effective sensing of ccf-miRNA continues to be a significant technical challenge, even though sophisticated equipment is needed to analyze readouts and expression patterns. Nanomaterials have come to light as a potential solution as they provide significant advantages over other widely used diagnostic techniques to measure miRNAs. Particularly, CNDs-based fluorescence nano-biosensors are of great interest. Owing to the excellent fluorescence characteristics of CNDs, developing such sensors for ccf-microRNAs has been much more accessible. Here, we have critically examined recent advancements in fluorescence-based CNDs biosensors, including tools and techniques used for manufacturing these biosensors. Green synthesis methods for scaling up high-quality, fluorescent CNDs from a natural source are discussed. The various surface modifications that help attach biomolecules to CNDs utilizing covalent conjugation techniques for multiple applications, including self-assembly, sensing, and imaging, are analyzed. The current review will be of particular interest to researchers interested in fluorescence-based biosensors, materials chemistry, nanomedicine, and related fields, as we focus on CNDs-based nano-biosensors for ccf-miRNAs detection applications in the medical field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Ratre
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal 462030, India
| | - Nazim Nazeer
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal 462030, India
| | - Roshani Kumari
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal 462030, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India
| | - Bulbul Jain
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal 462030, India
| | - Rajnarayan Tiwari
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal 462030, India
| | - Arunika Kamthan
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal 462030, India
| | - Rupesh K. Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Pradyumna Kumar Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal 462030, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
G-quadruplex-deficient precursor hairpin probes for ultra-low background dual-mode detection of miRNAs. Talanta 2023; 253:123954. [PMID: 36162188 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Design of oligonucleotide probe-based isothermal amplification with the ability to identify miRNA biomarkers is crucial for molecular diagnostics. Herein, we engineered a miRNA-21 responsive G-quadruplex-deficient precursor hairpin probe (PHP) to achieve dual-mode detection of fluorescent signal and colorimetric signal. Due to lack of complete G-quadruplex sequence, PHP becomes shorter in length, lower background signal and less interference. Based on the polymerase-driven amplification mechanism, in the presence of miRNAs, two simultaneous amplification reaction processes will occur in PHP: miRNA-based amplification process and endogenous amplification process along the 3' end. Due to the positional difference between the starting points of the two amplification processes, the orderly and efficient occurrence of the two amplification processes can be achieved. Based on an interesting concept, PHP can achieve high detection performance with only simple amplification cycles. In such a way, the detection limits for fluorescence and colorimetry were 2.93 fM and 8.81 fM, which would cover most of clinical qualitative and quantitative needs. Thus, the accurate quantitative and visual miRNA detection technology based on PHP is beneficial to carry out extensive disease screening and treatment monitoring in various complex occasions.
Collapse
|
10
|
Micro-RNAs in Human Placenta: Tiny Molecules, Immense Power. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185943. [PMID: 36144676 PMCID: PMC9501247 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding single-stranded RNAs that modulate the expression of various target genes after transcription. The expression and distribution of kinds of miRNAs have been characterized in human placenta during different gestational stages. The identified miRNAs are recognized as key mediators in the regulation of placental development and in the maintenance of human pregnancy. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is associated with compromised pregnancies in humans, and dysregulation of those miRNAs contributes to the occurrence and development of related diseases during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), recurrent miscarriage, preterm birth (PTB) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Thus, having a better understanding of the expression and functions of miRNAs in human placenta during pregnancy and thereby developing novel drugs targeting the miRNAs could be a potentially promising method in the prevention and treatment of relevant diseases in future. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the expression pattern and function regulation of miRNAs in human placental development and related diseases.
Collapse
|
11
|
Diener C, Keller A, Meese E. Emerging concepts of miRNA therapeutics: from cells to clinic. Trends Genet 2022; 38:613-626. [PMID: 35303998 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are very powerful genetic regulators, as evidenced by the fact that a single miRNA can direct entire cellular pathways via interacting with a broad spectrum of target genes. This property renders miRNAs as highly interesting therapeutic tools to restore cell functions that are altered as part of a disease phenotype. However, this strength of miRNAs is also a weakness because their cellular effects are so numerous that off-target effects can hardly be avoided. In this review, we point out the main challenges and the strategies to specifically address the problems that need to be surmounted in the push toward a therapeutic application of miRNAs. Particular emphasis is given to approaches that have already found their way into clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Diener
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Keller
- Center for Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Eckart Meese
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|