Deciphering signaling pathway interplay via miRNAs in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Unraveling the impact of miRNAs on gouty arthritis: diagnostic significance and therapeutic opportunities

Gouty arthritis is a prevalent inflammatory illness. Gout attacks begin when there is an imbalance in the body's uric acid metabolism, which leads to urate buildup and the development of the ailment. A family of conserved, short non-coding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis by attaching to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of messenger RNA (mRNA). An increasing amount of research is pointing to miRNAs as potential players in several inflammatory diseases, including gouty arthritis. miRNAs may influence the progression of the disease by regulating immune function and inflammatory responses. This review mainly focused on miRNAs and how they contribute to gouty arthritis. It also looked at how miRNAs could be used as diagnostic, prognostic, and potential therapeutic targets.

MicroRNAs in HIV infection: dual regulators of viral replication and host immunity

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to their degradation or translational repression. Over the past few years, significant progress has been made in understanding the role of miRNAs in various biological processes, including viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV infection is characterized by a complex interaction between the virus and the host's immune system, where miRNAs have emerged as key regulators. MiRNAs influence HIV infection by modulating both viral replication and the host immune response. Researchers have identified several host miRNAs that suppress or enhance HIV replication by targeting viral genes or host factors essential for the virus life cycle. Conversely, HIV has evolved mechanisms to manipulate the host's miRNA machinery to its advantage. The virus can downregulate or upregulate specific host miRNAs to create a more favorable environment for replication and persistence. Moreover, HIV infection can alter the expression profiles of various miRNAs in infected cells, which can contribute to immune dysregulation and disease progression. Dysregulation of miRNAs is associated with HIV-associated complications, such as neurocognitive disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the specific roles of miRNAs in HIV pathogenesis could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as miRNA-based therapies, to control HIV infection and its associated comorbidities. Understanding the role of miRNAs in HIV infection reveals their significant influence on the complex interactions between the virus and the host, impacting the course of infection and disease progression. Also, continued research in miRNA-mediated mechanisms in HIV holds the potential for uncovering new insights into viral pathogenesis and developing innovative therapeutic approaches.

miRNA-503 inhibition exerts anticancer effects and reduces tumor growth in mesothelioma

BACKGROUND

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelial surfaces, associated with exposure to asbestos fibres. To date, no cure is available for MM and therapeutically approved treatments are based on the use of platinum compounds often used in combination with other drugs. We have previously analysed the efficacy of a cisplatin/piroxicam (CDDP/P) combined treatment showing that this treatment was able to reduce in vivo tumor growth. Several studies reported that platinum-drug sensitivity in cancer is connected to modulation of the expression of non-coding RNAs. In this study we analysed if the CDDP/P treatment was able to modulate miRNAs expression in MM.

METHODS

miRNA sequencing performed on MSTO-211 H cells treated with CDDP with CDDP/P led us to identify miRNA-503 - downregulated by CDDP/P - as a novel miRNA that acts as an oncomiR in MM. The effect of miRNA-503 inhibition was evaluated in vitro in mesothelioma cells analysing apoptosis induction and reduction of cancer properties. Inhibition of miR-503 expression in vivo, was analysed in ectopic mouse model of MM by using LNP encapsulating anti-mir-503 and miR-503 expression was evaluated in human MM samples.

RESULTS

In vitro and in vivo analysis confirmed miR-503 acts as oncogene in MM since its inhibition was able to reduce cell cancer properties and tumor growth in ectopic mouse model of MM. Its expression was found upregulated in human MM patients compared to normal pleura. Bioinformatic analysis indicated BTG1, CCNG1, EDG1, and TIMP2 as putative target genes of miRNA-503. These genes showed an opposite expression compared to miR-503 levels both in cells and in MM samples. Finally, microarray analysis indicated that miR-503 inhibition affected the expression of the well-known MM biomarkers: CXCL8, SERPINE1 and Osteopontin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first reporting an oncomiR role for miR-503 in MM and suggests that its inactivation could have a clinical value in MM patients. This study reveals that miRNA-503 acts as an oncomiR in MM suggesting that its inhibition, through LNP delivery, has the potential to be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy in MM.

Harnessing natural compounds to modulate miRNAs in breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer's complexity and heterogeneity continue to present significant challenges in its treatment and management. Emerging research has underscored the pivotal role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in breast cancer pathogenesis, acting as crucial regulators of gene expression. This review delivers an in-depth analysis of miRNAs, highlighting their dual functions as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors, and detailing their impact on key biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. The mechanisms underlying miRNA action, particularly their interactions with target mRNAs and the factors influencing these dynamics, are thoroughly explored. Additionally, the review discusses the therapeutic prospects of miRNAs, with a focus on innovative delivery systems like nanoparticles that improve the stability and effectiveness of miRNA-based therapies. It also addresses the anticancer effects of natural compounds, such as genistein, hesperidin, quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and glyceollins, which modulate miRNA expression and contribute to tumor growth inhibition. These advances seek to address the limitations of conventional therapies, paving the way for targeted interventions in breast cancer. By integrating current insights on miRNA biology, therapeutic strategies, and the potential of natural products to regulate miRNA expression, this review aims to shed light on miRNA- and natural product-based approaches as promising avenues for enhancing breast cancer treatment outcomes.

The emerging role of miRNAs in pituitary adenomas: From molecular signatures to diagnostic potential

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are an array of tumors originating from the pituitary gland. PAs are sorted as functional or nonfunctional according to their hormonal activity and classified according to size into microadenomas and macroadenomas. Still, the cellular events that trigger the transformations in pituitary neoplasms are not fully understood, and the current classification methods do not precisely predict clinical behavior. A rising number of researches have emphasized the role of miRNAs, that drawn more attention as oncogenic molecules or tumor suppressors. The etiopathological mechanisms of PAs include multiple molecular cascades that are influenced by different miRNAs. miRNAs control the cell cycle control, pro- or antiapoptotic processes, and tumor invasion and metastasis. miRNAs offer a novel perspective on tumor features and behaviors and might be valuable in prognostication and therapeutic plans. In pituitary adenomas, miRNAs showed a specific expression pattern depending on their size, cell origin, remission, and treatments. Screening miRNA expression patterns is promising to monitor and evaluate recurrence, as well as to investigate the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy for PAs exhibiting aggressive behavior. Thus, the current review investigated the interplay of the miRNAs' pivotal role in offering new opportunities to translate these innovative epigenetic tools into healthcare applications.

The potential role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia - A focus on signaling pathways interplay

microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in brain growth and function. Hence, research on miRNA has the potential to reveal much about the etiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. Among these, schizophrenia (SZ) is a highly intricate and destructive neuropsychiatric ailment that has been thoroughly researched in the field of miRNA. Despite being a relatively recent area of study about miRNAs and SZ, this discipline has advanced enough to justify numerous reviews that summarize the findings from the past to the present. However, most reviews cannot cover all research, thus it is necessary to synthesize the large range of publications on this topic systematically and understandably. Consequently, this review aimed to provide evidence that miRNAs play a role in the pathophysiology and progression of SZ. They have also been investigated for their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and drug resistance of oral cancer

Oral cancer (OC) is a widely observed neoplasm on a global scale. Over time, there has been an increase in both its fatality and incidence rates. Oral cancer metastasis is a complex process that involves a number of cellular mechanisms, including invasion, migration, proliferation, and escaping from malignant tissue through either lymphatic or vascular channels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a crucial class of short non-coding RNAs recognized as significant modulators of diverse cellular processes and exert a pivotal influence on the carcinogenesis pathway, functioning either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes. It has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a role in metastasis at several stages, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and colonization. This regulation is achieved by targeting key genes involved in these pathways by miRNAs. This paper aims to give a contemporary analysis of OC, focusing on its molecular genetics. The current literature and emerging advancements in miRNA dysregulation in OC are thoroughly examined. This project would advance OC diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and therapeutic implications.

Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifaceted, advancing neurodegenerative illness that is responsible for most cases of neurological impairment and dementia in the aged population. As the disease progresses, affected individuals may experience cognitive decline, linguistic problems, affective instability, and behavioral changes. The intricate nature of AD reflects the altered molecular mechanisms participating in the affected human brain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miR) are essential for the intricate control of gene expression in neurobiology. miRNAs exert their influence by modulating the transcriptome of brain cells, which typically exhibit substantial genetic activity, encompassing gene transcription and mRNA production. Presently, comprehensive studies are being conducted on AD to identify miRNA-based signatures that are indicative of the disease pathophysiology. These findings can contribute to the advancement of our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this disorder and can inform the development of therapeutic interventions based on miRNA and related RNA molecules. Therefore, this comprehensive review provides a detailed holistic analysis of the latest advances discussing the emerging role of miRNAs in the progression of AD and their possible application as potential biomarkers and targets for therapeutic interventions in future studies.

Harnessing the power of miRNAs: The molecular architects of asthma pathogenesis and potential targets for therapeutic innovation

Asthma is a chronic non-communicable respiratory disease that is characterized by airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. Defective functions of airway smooth muscle and dysregulated signaling pathways play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Anti-inflammatories and targeted therapy are mainly used for the treatment of asthma. Recent studies have investigated the role of non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs; miR) in regulating gene expression and their involvement in the dysfunctional signaling pathways. In immune-mediated diseases, including asthma, miRNAs govern the actions of cells that form the airway structure and those responsible for the defense mechanisms in the bronchi and lungs. miRNAs control cell survival, proliferation, and growth, as well as the cells' capacity to produce and release chemokines and immune mediators. Moreover, miRNAs have an important role in the response to therapeutic interventions. Collectively, this review highlights the regulatory roles of miRNAs in modulating the different signaling pathways and therapeutic responses in asthma. Patients who suffer from asthma, particularly those with severe disease characteristics, may benefit from the prospective treatment options that include targeting miRNAs in order to reduce airway inflammation, hyperreactivity, and mucus production.

The emerging role of miRNAs in myocardial infarction: From molecular signatures to therapeutic targets

Globally, myocardial infarction (MI) and other cardiovascular illnesses have long been considered the top killers. Heart failure and mortality are the results of myocardial apoptosis, cardiomyocyte fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, all of which are caused by MI. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial regulatory function in the progression and advancement of heart disease following an MI. By consolidating the existing data on miRNAs, our aim is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their role in the pathological progression of myocardial injury after MI and to identify potential crucial target pathways. Also included are the primary treatment modalities and their most recent developments. miRNAs have the ability to regulate both normal and pathological activity, including the key signaling pathways. As a result, they may exert medicinal benefits. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of miRNAs in MI with a specific emphasis on their impact on the regeneration of cardiomyocytes and other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, the targets of pro- and anti-MI miRNAs are comparatively elucidated.

The potential relevance of long non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and treatment: A review focus on signaling pathways

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers in incidence and mortality. Despite advances in cancer biology, molecular genetics, and targeted treatments, CRC prognosis and survival have not kept pace. This is usually due to advanced staging and metastases at diagnosis. Thus, great importance has been placed upon understanding the molecular pathophysiology behind the development of CRC, which has highlighted the significance of non-coding RNA's role and associated intracellular signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of the disease. According to recent studies, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), a subtype of ncRNAs whose length exceeds 200 nucleotides, have been found to have regulatory functions on multiple levels. Their actions at the transcription, post-transcriptional, translational levels, and epigenetic regulation have made them prime modulators of gene expression. Due to their role in cellular cancer hallmarks, their dysregulation has been linked to several illnesses, including cancer. Furthermore, their clinical relevance has expanded due to their possible detection in blood which has cemented them as potential future biomarkers and thus, potential targets for new therapy. This review will highlight the importance of lncRNAs and related signaling pathways in the development of CRC and their subsequent clinical applications.

Unveiling the regulatory role of miRNAs in stroke pathophysiology and diagnosis

Stroke, a major global cause of mortality, leads to a range of problems for those who survive. Besides its brutal events, stroke also tends to have a characteristic of recurrence, making it a complex disease involving intricate regulatory networks. One of the major cellular regulators is the non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), thus the possible functions of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of stroke are discussed as well as the possibility of using miRNA-based therapeutic approaches. Firstly, the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate vital physiological processes, including synaptic plasticity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are reviewed. The miRNA indirectly impacts stroke outcomes by regulating BBB function and angiogenesis through the targeting of transcription factors and angiogenic factors. In addition, the tendency for some miRNAs to be upregulated in response to hypoxia, which is a prevalent phenomenon in stroke and various neurological disorders, highlights the possibility that it controls hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling and angiogenesis, thereby influencing the integrity of the BBB as examples of the discussed mechanisms. Furthermore, this review explores the potential therapeutic targets that miRNAs may offer for stroke recovery and highlights their promising capacity to alleviate post-stroke complications. This review provides researchers and clinicians with valuable resources since it attempts to decipher the complex network of miRNA-mediated mechanisms in stroke. Additionally, the review addresses the interplay between miRNAs and stroke risk factors as well as clinical applications of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and therapeutic intervention of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by the impairment of the motor system, resulting in symptoms such as resting tremor, cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia, difficulty with gait, and postural instability. The occurrence of striatal dopamine insufficiency can be attributed to a notable decline in dopaminergic neurons inside the substantia nigra pars compacta. Additionally, the development of Lewy bodies serves as a pathological hallmark of PD. While current therapy approaches for PD aim to preserve dopaminergic neurons or replenish dopamine levels in the brain, it is important to acknowledge that achieving complete remission of the condition remains elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miR) are a class of small, non-coding ribonucleic acids involved in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The miRNAs play a crucial part in the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of several neurodegenerative illnesses, including PD. The aim of this review is to explore the role of miRNAs in regulating genes associated with the onset and progression of PD, investigate the potential of miRNAs as a diagnostic tool, assess the effectiveness of targeting specific miRNAs as an alternative therapeutic strategy to impede disease advancement, and discuss the utilization of newly developed nanoparticles for delivering miRNAs as neurodegenerative therapies.

miRNAs as modulators of neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity: Implications for stroke therapeutics

Stroke is a widespread neurological disorder associated with physical disabilities, mortality, and economic burden. In recent decades, substantial progress has been achieved in reducing the impact of this public health problem. However, further understanding of the pathophysiology of stroke and the underlying genetic pathways is required. The pathological mechanisms of stroke comprise multifaceted molecular cascades regulated by various microRNAs (miRNAs). An increasing number of studies have highlighted the role of miRNAs, which have received much attention during the last decades as an important class of post-transcriptional regulators. It was shown that miRNAs exert their role in the etiology of stroke via mediating excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Additionally, miRNAs could be helpful as non-invasive or minimally invasive biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Thus, the current review focused on the interplay of these miRNAs in stroke pathology to upgrade the existing therapeutic strategies.