Network Regulation of microRNA Biogenesis and Target Interaction

Unlocking Novel Therapeutic Avenues in Glioblastoma: Harnessing 4-amino Cyanine and miRNA Synergy for Next-Gen Treatment Convergence

Glioblastoma (GBM) poses a formidable challenge in oncology due to its aggressive nature and dismal prognosis, with average survival rates around 15 months despite conventional treatments. This review proposes a novel therapeutic strategy for GBM by integrating microRNA (miRNA) therapy with 4-amino cyanine molecules possessing near-infrared (NIR) properties. miRNA holds promise in regulating gene expression, particularly in GBM, making it an attractive therapeutic target. 4-amino cyanine molecules, especially those with NIR properties, have shown efficacy in targeted tumor cell degradation. The combined approach addresses gene expression regulation and precise tumor cell degradation, offering a breakthrough in GBM treatment. Additionally, the review explores noncoding RNAs classification and characteristics, highlighting their role in GBM pathogenesis. Advanced technologies such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), locked nucleic acids (LNAs), and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) show potential in targeting noncoding RNAs therapeutically, paving the way for precision medicine in GBM. This synergistic combination presents an innovative approach with the potential to advance cancer therapy in the challenging landscape of GBM.

Impact of Ae-GRD on Ivermectin Resistance and Its Regulation by miR-71-5p in Aedes aegypti

iGABAR, a member of the Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily, is a significant target of the insecticide ivermectin (IVM). GRD is the potential subunit of the insect iGABAR. However, little information about GRD in Ae. aegypti has been reported. In this study, we involved cloning and characterizing the iGABAR subunit GRD of Ae. aegypti (Ae-GRD). Sequence analysis indicated that Ae-GRD, as part of the cysteine-loop ligand-gated ion channel family, is similar to other insect GRD. RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to explore IVM resistance in Ae. aegypti, resulting in a significant reduction in Ae-GRD expression (p < 0.05), and the mortality of Ae. aegypti adults with Ae-GRD knockdown was significantly decreased after exposure to ivermectin. Bioinformatics prediction identified miR-71-5p as a potential regulator of Ae-GRD. In vitro, dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that Ae-GRD expression was regulated by miR-71-5p. Microinjection of miR-71-5p mimics upregulated miR-71-5p expression and downregulated Ae-GRD gene expression, reducing mortality by 34.52% following IVM treatment. Conversely, microinjection of a miR-71-5p inhibitor decreased miR-71-5p expression but did not affect the susceptibility to IVM despite increased Ae-GRD expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Ae-GRD, as one of the iGABA receptor subunits, is a potential target of ivermectin. It may influence ivermectin resistance by modulating the GABA signaling pathway. The inhibition of Ae-GRD expression by miR-71-5p decreased ivermectin resistance and consequently lowered the mortality rate of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. This finding provides empirical evidence of the relationship between Ae-GRD and its miRNA in modulating insecticide resistance, offering novel perspectives for mosquito control strategies.

miR-192 family in breast cancer: Regulatory mechanisms and diagnostic value

There is a growing interest in the role of the miRNA family in human cancer. The miRNA-192 family is a group of conserved small RNAs, including miR-192, miR-194, and miR-215. Recent studies have shown that the incidence and mortality of breast cancer have been increasing epidemiologically year by year, and it is urgent to clarify the pathogenesis of breast cancer and seek new diagnostic and therapeutic methods. There is increasing evidence that miR-192 family members may be involved in the occurrence and development of breast cancer. This review describes the regulatory mechanism of the miRNA-192 family affecting the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells and evaluates the value of the miRNA-192 family as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for breast cancer. It is expected that summarizing and discussing the relationship between miRNA-192 family members and breast cancer, it will provide a new direction for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and basic medical research.

miRNA- and Cell Line-Specific Constraints on Precursor miRNA Processing of Stably Transfected Pancreatic Cancer and Other Mammalian Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate approximately one-third of all human genes. The dysregulation of miRNAs has been implicated in the development of numerous human diseases, including cancers. In our investigation focusing on altering specific miRNA expression in human pancreatic cancer cells, we encountered an interesting finding. While two expression vector designs effectively enhanced miR-708 levels, they were unable to elevate mature forms of miR-29b, -1290, -2467, and -6831 in pancreatic cancer cell lines. This finding was also observed in a panel of other non-pancreatic cancer cell lines, suggesting that miRNA processing efficiency was cell line specific. Using a step-by-step approach in each step of miRNA processing, we ruled out alternative strand selection by the RISC complex and transcriptional interference at the primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) level. DROSHA processing and pri-miRNA export from the nucleus also appeared to be occurring normally. We observed precursor (pre-miRNA) accumulation only in cell lines where mature miRNA expression was not achieved, suggesting that the block was occurring at the pre-miRNA stage. To further confirm this, synthetic pre-miRNA mimics that bypass DICER processing were processed into mature miRNAs in all cases. This study has demonstrated the distinct behaviours of different miRNAs with the same vector in the same cell line, the same miRNA between the two vector designs, and with the same miRNA across different cell lines. We identified a stable vector pre-miRNA processing block. Our findings on the structural and sequence differences between successful and non-successful vector designs could help to inform future chimeric miRNA design strategies and act as a guide to other researchers on the intricate processing dynamics that can impact vector efficiency. Our research confirms the potential of miRNA mimics to surmount some of these complexities.

MicroRNA-671-5p regulates the inflammatory response of periodontal ligament stem cells via the DUSP8/p38 MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs are differentially expressed in periodontitis tissues. They are involved in cellular responses to inflammation and can be used as markers for diagnosing periodontitis. Microarray analysis showed that the expression level of microRNA-671-5p in periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis was increased. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of microRNA-671-5p in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) under inflammatory conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HPDLSCs were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an inflammation model. The cell survival rate was determined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8). Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses were used to detect the expression of microRNA-671-5p and dual-specificity phosphatase (DUSP) 8 proteins, respectively, Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected using qRT-PCR and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A dual-luciferase reporter system was employed to determine the relationship between micoRNA-671-5p and DUSP8 expression. Activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was confirmed using western blot analysis. Following the treatment of hPDLSCs with LPS, the expression levels of microRNA-671-5p in hPDLSCs were increased, cell viability decreased, and the expression of inflammatory factors displayed an increasing trend. MicroRNA-671-5p targets and binds to DUSP8. Silencing microRNA-671-5p or overexpressing DUSP8 can improve cell survival rate and reduce inflammatory responses. When DUSP8 was overexpressed, the expression of p-p38 was reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

microRNA-671-5p targets DUSP8/p38 MAPK pathway to regulate LPS-induced proliferation and inflammation in hPDLSCs.

LncRNA PFAR facilitates the proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma by competitively binding to miR-15a

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is type of aggressive tumor, with a markedly declined survival rate when distant metastasis occurs. It is of great significance to develop potential biomarkers to evaluate the progression of PTC. LncRNAs are recently widely claimed with biomarker value in malignant tumors. Herein, the role of LncRNA PFAR in PTC was investigated to explore potential prognostic marker for PTC. Compared to NTHY-ORI 3-1 cells, LncRNA PFAR was found markedly upregulated in PTC cell lines. In LncRNA PFAR knockdown TPC-1 cells, markedly declined cell viability, increased apoptotic rate, enhancive number of migrated cells, and elevated migration distance were observed, accompanied by a suppressed activity of the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling. In LncRNA PFAR overexpressed BCPAP cells, signally increased cell viability, declined apoptotic rate, reduced number of migrated cells, decreased migration distance, and increased tumor volume and tumor weight in nude mice xenograft model were observed, accompanied by an activation of the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling. The binding site between LncRNA PFAR and miR-15a, as well as miR-15a and RET, was confirmed by the dual luciferase reporter assay. The FISH study revealed that LncRNA PFAR was mainly located in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, the impact of the siRNA targeting LncRNA PFAR against the growth and migration of PTC cells was abolished by the inhibitor of miR-15a or SC79, an activator of AKT/mTOR signaling. Collectively, LncRNA PFAR facilitated the proliferation and migration of PTC cells by mediating the miR-15a/RET axis.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Mechanism of Probiotics on the Growth Performance of Fattening Sheep

Probiotics have been proven to improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the growth performance; rumen and intestinal microbiota; rumen fluid, serum, and urine metabolism; and rumen epithelial cell transcriptomics of fattening meat sheep. Twelve Hu sheep were selected and randomly divided into two groups. They were fed a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 × 108 CFU/g probiotics (PRB). The results show that the average daily weight gain, and volatile fatty acid and serum antioxidant capacity concentrations of the PRB group were significantly higher than those of the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, the thickness of the rumen muscle layer in the PRB group was significantly decreased (p < 0.01); the thickness of the duodenal muscle layer in the fattening sheep was significantly reduced; and the length of the duodenal villi, the thickness of the cecal and rectal mucosal muscle layers, and the thickness of the cecal, colon, and rectal mucosal layers (p < 0.05) were significantly increased. At the genus level, the addition of probiotics altered the composition of the rumen and intestinal microbiota, significantly upregulating the relative abundance of Subdivision5_genera_incertae_sedis and Acinetobacter in the rumen microbiota, and significantly downregulating the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio, Saccharofermentans, and Fibrobacter. The relative abundance of faecalicoccus was significantly upregulated in the intestinal microbiota, while the relative abundance of Coprococcus, Porphyromonas, and Anaerobacterium were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the rumen, serum, and urine metabolites between the PRB group and the CON group, with 188, 138, and 104 metabolites (p < 0.05), mainly affecting pathways such as vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and a series of amino acid metabolisms. The differential genes in the transcriptome sequencing were mainly enriched in protein modification regulation (especially histone modification), immune function regulation, and energy metabolism. Therefore, adding probiotics improved the growth performance of fattening sheep by altering the rumen and intestinal microbiota; the rumen, serum, and urine metabolome; and the transcriptome.

Harnessing anti-inflammatory pathways and macrophage nano delivery to treat inflammatory and fibrotic disorders

Targeting specific organs and cell types using nanotechnology and sophisticated delivery methods has been at the forefront of applicative biomedical sciences lately. Macrophages are an appealing target for immunomodulation by nanodelivery as they are heavily involved in various aspects of many diseases and are highly plastic in their nature. Their continuum of functional "polarization" states has been a research focus for many years yielding a profound understanding of various aspects of these cells. The ability of monocyte-derived macrophages to metamorphose from pro-inflammatory to reparative and consequently to pro-resolving effectors has raised significant interest in its therapeutic potential. Here, we briefly survey macrophages' ontogeny and various polarization phenotypes, highlighting their function in the inflammation-resolution shift. We review their inducing mediators, signaling pathways, and biological programs with emphasis on the nucleic acid sensing-IFN-I axis. We also portray the polarization spectrum of macrophages and the characteristics of their transition between different subtypes. Finally, we highlighted different current drug delivery methods for targeting macrophages with emphasis on nanotargeting that might lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of wound healing, bone regeneration, autoimmune, and fibrotic diseases.

Circulating miRNAs as Novel Clinical Biomarkers in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) represents the most common form of refractory focal epilepsy. The identification of innovative clinical biomarkers capable of categorizing patients with TLE, allowing for improved treatment and outcomes, still represents an unmet need. Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs detectable in body fluids, which play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression. Their characteristics, including extracellular stability, detectability through non-invasive methods, and responsiveness to pathological changes and/or therapeutic interventions, make them promising candidate biomarkers in various disease settings. Recent research has investigated c-miRNAs in various bodily fluids, including serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid, of TLE patients. Despite some discrepancies in methodologies, cohort composition, and normalization strategies, a common dysregulated signature of c-miRNAs has emerged across different studies, providing the basis for using c-miRNAs as novel biomarkers for TLE patient management.

Transitional Insight into the RNA-Based Oligonucleotides in Cancer Treatment

Conventional cancer therapies with chemodrugs suffer from various disadvantages, such as irreversible side effects on the skin, heart, liver, and nerves with even fatal consequences. RNA-based therapeutic is a novel technology which offers great potential as non-toxic, non-infectious, and well-tolerable platform. Herein, we introduce different RNA-based platforms with a special focus on siRNA, miRNA, and mRNA applications in cancer treatment in order to better understand the details of their therapeutic effects. Of note, the co-delivery of RNAs with other distinct RNA or drugs has provided safe, efficient, and novel treatment modalities for cancer treatment.

Mitochondrially mediated RNA interference, a retrograde signaling system affecting nuclear gene expression

Several functional classes of short noncoding RNAs are involved in manifold regulatory processes in eukaryotes, including, among the best characterized, miRNAs. One of the most intriguing regulatory networks in the eukaryotic cell is the mito-nuclear crosstalk: recently, miRNA-like elements of mitochondrial origin, called smithRNAs, were detected in a bivalve species, Ruditapes philippinarum. These RNA molecules originate in the organelle but were shown in vivo to regulate nuclear genes. Since miRNA genes evolve easily de novo with respect to protein-coding genes, in the present work we estimate the probability with which a newly arisen smithRNA finds a suitable target in the nuclear transcriptome. Simulations with transcriptomes of 12 bivalve species suggest that this probability is high and not species specific: one in a hundred million (1 × 10-8) if five mismatches between the smithRNA and the 3' mRNA are allowed, yet many more are allowed in animals. We propose that novel smithRNAs may easily evolve as exaptation of the pre-existing mitochondrial RNAs. In turn, the ability of evolving novel smithRNAs may have played a pivotal role in mito-nuclear interactions during animal evolution, including the intriguing possibility of acting as speciation trigger.

Exosomes in Glioma: Unraveling Their Roles in Progression, Diagnosis, and Therapy

Gliomas, the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumors, present a challenging prognosis even after undergoing surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells, play a pivotal role in glioma progression and contribute to resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy by facilitating the transportation of biological molecules and promoting intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, exosomes exhibit the remarkable ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier, positioning them as potent carriers for therapeutic delivery. These attributes hold promise for enhancing glioma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in exosome research within the realm of tumors. In this article, we primarily focus on elucidating the role of exosomes in glioma development, highlighting the latest breakthroughs in therapeutic and diagnostic approaches, and outlining prospective directions for future research.

Trans Species RNA Activity: Sperm RNA of the Father of an Autistic Child Programs Glial Cells and Behavioral Disorders in Mice

Recently, we described the alteration of six miRNAs in the serum of autistic children, their fathers, mothers, siblings, and in the sperm of autistic mouse models. Studies in model organisms suggest that noncoding RNAs participate in transcriptional modulation pathways. Using mice, approaches to alter the amount of RNA in fertilized eggs enable in vivo intervention at an early stage of development. Noncoding RNAs are very numerous in spermatozoa. Our study addresses a fundamental question: can the transfer of RNA content from sperm to eggs result in changes in phenotypic traits, such as autism? To explore this, we used sperm RNA from a normal father but with autistic children to create mouse models for autism. Here, we induced, in a single step by microinjecting sperm RNA into fertilized mouse eggs, a transcriptional alteration with the transformation in adults of glial cells into cells affected by astrogliosis and microgliosis developing deficiency disorders of the 'autism-like' type in mice born following these manipulations. Human sperm RNA alters gene expression in mice, and validates the possibility of non-Mendelian inheritance in autism.

microRNAs and their therapeutic strategy in phase I and phase II clinical trials

miRNAs play a crucial therapeutic role in diseases such as cancer, diabetes and viral infections, with around 1900 identified in the human genome. Some have progressed to clinical trials, and miRNA mimics and miRNA inhibitors are pivotal therapeutic molecules undergoing evaluation. The review delves into various miRNA-associated clinical trials, emphasizing their precision in targeting specific genes, modulating disease pathways and diagnostic potential. This underscores the importance of miRNA therapy, foreseeing innovations in precision medicine techniques for diverse diseases. The future envisions improved delivery systems addressing challenges like immunogenicity and digestion, while a comprehensive miRNA-based omics database could guide the development of tailored antisense miRNAs, further advancing precision medicine strategies.

Modulating Stress Susceptibility and Resilience: Insights from miRNA Manipulation and Neural Mechanisms in Mice

This study explored the impact of microRNAs, specifically mmu-miR-1a-3p and mmu-miR-155-5p, on stress susceptibility and resilience in mice of different strains. Previous research had established that C57BL/6J mice were stress-susceptible, while NET-KO and SWR/J mice displayed stress resilience. These strains also exhibited variations in the serum levels of mmu-miR-1a-3p and mmu-miR-155-5p. To investigate this further, we administered antagonistic sequences (Antagomirs) targeting these microRNAs to C57/BL/6J mice and their analogs (Agomirs) to NET-KO and SWR/J mice via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection. The impact of this treatment was assessed using the forced swim test. The results showed that the stress-susceptible C57/BL/6J mice could be transformed into a stress-resilient phenotype through infusion of Antagomirs. Conversely, stress-resilient mice displayed altered behavior when treated with Ago-mmu-miR-1a-3p. The study also examined the expression of mmu-miR-1a-3p in various brain regions, revealing that changes in its expression in the cerebellum (CER) were associated with the stress response. In vitro experiments with the Neuro2a cell line indicated that the Antago/Ago-miR-1a-3p and Antago/Ago-miR-155-5p treatments affected mRNAs encoding genes related to cAMP and Ca2+ signaling, diacylglycerol kinases, and phosphodiesterases. The expression changes of genes such as Dgkq, Bdnf, Ntrk2, and Pde4b in the mouse cerebellum suggested a link between cerebellar function, synaptic plasticity, and the differential stress responses observed in susceptible and resilient mice. In summary, this research highlights the role of mmu-miR-1a-3p and mmu-miR-155-5p in regulating stress susceptibility and resilience in mice and suggests a connection between these microRNAs, cerebellar function, and synaptic plasticity in the context of stress response.

Genome-wide in-silico analysis of ethylene biosynthesis gene family in Musa acuminata L. and their response under nutrient stress

Ethylene is a gaseous phytohormone involved in plants' growth and developmental processes, including seed germination, root initiation, fruit ripening, flower and leaf senescence, abscission, and stress responses. Ethylene biosynthesis (EB) gene analysis in response to nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) stress has not yet been conducted in Musa acuminata (banana) roots. The genome mining of banana (Musa acuminata L.) revealed 14 putative 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS), 10 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO), and 3 Ethylene overproducer 1 (ETO1) genes. ACS, ACO, and ETO1 proteins possessed amino acid residues ranging from 422-684, 636-2670, and 893-969, respectively, with molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 4.93-7.55 kD, 10.1-8.3 kD and 10.1-10.78 kD. The number of introns present in ACS, ACO, and ETO1 gene sequences ranges from 0-14, 1-6, and 0-6, respectively. The cis-regulatory element analysis revealed the presence of light-responsive, abscisic acid, seed regulation, auxin-responsive, gibberellin element, endosperm-specific, anoxic inducibility, low-temperature responsiveness, salicylic acid responsiveness, meristem-specific and stress-responsive elements. Comprehensive phylogenetic analyses ACS, ACO, and ETO1 genes of Banana with Arabidopsis thaliana revealed several orthologs and paralogs assisting in understanding the putative functions of these genes. The expression profile of Musa acuminata genes in root under normal and low levels of nitrogen and potassium shows that MaACS14 and MaACO6 expressed highly at normal nitrogen supply. MaACS1 expression was significantly upregulated at low potassium levels, whereas, MaACO6 gene expression was significantly downregulated. The functional divergence and site-specific selective pressures on specific gene sequences of banana have been investigated. The bioinformatics-based genome-wide assessment of the family of banana attempted in the present study could be a significant step for deciphering novel ACS, ACO, and ETO1 genes based on genome-wide expression profiling.

Understanding the multifaceted role of miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease pathology

Small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to mRNA and mediating its degradation or inhibiting translation. Since miRNAs can regulate the expression of several genes, they have multiple roles to play in biological processes and human diseases. The majority of miRNAs are known to be expressed in the brain and are involved in synaptic functions, thus marking their presence and role in major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are known to be the major hallmarks. The clearance of Aβ and tau is known to be associated with miRNA dysregulation. In addition, the β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE 1), which cleaves APP to form Aβ, is also found to be regulated by miRNAs, thus directly affecting Aβ accumulation. Growing evidences suggest that neuroinflammation can be an initial event in AD pathology, and miRNAs have been linked with the regulation of neuroinflammation. Inflammatory disorders have also been associated with AD pathology, and exosomes associated with miRNAs are known to regulate brain inflammation, suggesting for the role of systemic miRNAs in AD pathology. Several miRNAs have been related in AD, years before the clinical symptoms appear, most of which are associated with regulating the cell cycle, immune system, stress responses, cellular senescence, nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling, and synaptic regulation. Phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, alter the expression of various miRNAs by binding to miRNAs or binding to the transcriptional activators of miRNAs, thus control/alter various metabolic pathways. Awing to the sundry biological processes being regulated by miRNAs in the brain and regulation of expression of miRNAs via phytochemicals, miRNAs and the regulatory bioactive phytochemicals can serve as therapeutic agents in the treatment and management of AD.

Clinical relevance of exosome-derived microRNAs in Ovarian Cancer: Looking for new tumor biological fingerprints

Specific tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, called exosomes, are considered as potential key players in cross-talk between immune system and tumor microenvironment in several solid tumors. Different studies highlighted the clinical relevance of exosomes in ovarian cancer (OC) for their role in early diagnosis, prognosis, chemoresistance, targeted therapy. The exosomes are nanosize vesicles carrying lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In particular, exosomes shuttle a wide spectrum of microRNAs (miRNAs) able to induce phenotypic reprogramming of target cells, contributing to tumor progression. In this review, we will discuss the promising role of miRNAs shuttled by exosomes, called exosomal miRNAs (exo-miRNAs), as potential biomarkers for early detection, tumour progression and metastasis, prognosis, and response to therapy in OC women, in order to search for new potential biological fingerprints able to better characterize the evolution of this malignancy and provide a clinically relevant non-invasive approach useful for adopting, in future, personalized therapeutic strategies.

The role of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic targeting of tumor suppressor and oncogenic genes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe malignant liver cancer with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. This carcinoma is a multistage process that begins with chronic hepatitis and progresses to cirrhosis, dysplastic nodules, and eventually HCC. However, the exact molecular etiology remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that modulate the expression of numerous genes. These molecules have become significant participants in several functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and tumorrelated properties. They have a pivotal role in carcinogenesis as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Furthermore, some investigations have shown that particular miRs might be used as predictive or diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in HCC therapy. This review study summarizes the current level of knowledge on the role of miRs in the initiation and progression of HCC.

Recent advances on high-efficiency of microRNAs in different types of lung cancer: a comprehensive review

Carcinoma of the lung is among the most common types of cancer globally. Concerning its histology, it is categorized as a non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) and a small cell cancer (SCLC) subtype. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a member of non-coding RNA whose nucleotides range from 19 to 25. They are known to be critical regulators of cancer via epigenetic control of oncogenes expression and by regulating tumor suppressor genes. miRNAs have an essential function in a tumorous microenvironment via modulating cancer cell growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, metabolism, and apoptosis. Moreover, a wide range of information produced via several investigations indicates their tumor-suppressing, oncogenic, diagnostic assessment, and predictive marker functions in different types of lung malignancy. miRNA mimics or anti-miRNAs can be transferred into a lung cancer cell, with possible curative implications. As a result, miRNAs hold promise as targets for lung cancer treatment and detection. In this study, we investigate the different functions of various miRNAs in different types of lung malignancy, which have been achieved in recent years that show the lung cancer-associated regulation of miRNAs expression, concerning their function in lung cancer beginning, development, and resistance to chemotherapy, also the probability to utilize miRNAs as predictive biomarkers for therapy reaction.

The Pathological Role of miRNAs in Endometriosis

Association studies investigating miRNA in relation to diseases have consistently shown significant alterations in miRNA expression, particularly within inflammatory pathways, where they regulate inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors (such as NF-κB, STAT3, HIF1α), and inflammatory proteins (including COX-2 and iNOS). Given that endometriosis (EMS) is characterized as an inflammatory disease, albeit one influenced by estrogen levels, it is natural to speculate about the connection between EMS and miRNA. Recent research has indeed confirmed alterations in the expression levels of numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) in both endometriotic lesions and the eutopic endometrium of women with EMS, when compared to healthy controls. The undeniable association of miRNAs with EMS hints at the emergence of a new era in the study of miRNA in the context of EMS. This article reviews the advancements made in understanding the pathological role of miRNA in EMS and its association with EMS-associated infertility. These findings contribute to the ongoing pursuit of developing miRNA-based therapeutics and diagnostic markers for EMS.

Diet as an epigenetic factor in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has as a main characteristic the exacerbation of the immune system against enterocytes, compromising the individual's intestinal microbiota. This inflammatory cascade causes several nutritional deficiencies, which further compromise immunological functioning and, as a result, worsen the prognosis. This vicious cycle can be interrupted as the patient's dietary pattern meets their needs according to their clinical condition, acting directly on the inflammatory process of IBD through the interaction of food, intestinal microbiota, and epigenome. Specific nutritional intervention for IBD has a crucial role in preventing and managing disease activity. This review addresses epigenetic modifications through dietary compounds as a mechanism for modulating the intestinal microbiota of patients with IBD.

MicroRNAs in Endometriosis: Insights into Inflammation and Progesterone Resistance

Endometriosis, a non-malignant gynecological disorder influenced by estrogen, involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Its development includes processes such as inflammation, progesterone resistance, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. Epigenetic factors, particularly the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), have emerged as key factors in these mechanisms in endometriosis. This review aims to unveil the intricate molecular processes that control inflammation, progesterone resistance, and miRNA functions in endometriosis. In addition, it provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding regarding the involvement of miRNAs in the inflammatory aspects of this condition. This synthesis encompasses research investigating the molecular underpinnings of inflammation, along with the biogenesis and roles of miRNAs in endometriosis. Furthermore, it examines human studies and functional analyses to establish the intricate connection between miRNAs, inflammation, and progesterone resistance in the context of endometriosis. The results highlight the significant impact of dysregulated miRNAs on the inflammatory pathways and hormonal imbalances characteristic of endometriosis. Consequently, miRNAs hold promise as potential non-invasive biomarkers and targeted therapeutic agents aimed at addressing inflammation and enhancing the response to progesterone treatment in individuals with endometriosis.

A new perspective on Alzheimer's disease: microRNAs and circular RNAs

microRNAs (miRNAs) play a multifaceted role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). miRNAs regulate several aspects of the disease, such as Aβ metabolism, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and synaptic function. The dynamic interaction between miRNAs and their target genes depends upon various factors, including the subcellular localization of miRNAs, the relative abundance of miRNAs and target mRNAs, and the affinity of miRNA-mRNA interactions. The miRNAs are released into extracellular fluids and subsequently conveyed to specific target cells through various modes of transportation, such as exosomes. In comparison, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNA (ncRNA) characterized by their covalently closed continuous loops. In contrast to linear RNA, RNA molecules are circularized by forming covalent bonds between the 3'and 5'ends. CircRNA regulates gene expression through interaction with miRNAs at either the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level, even though their precise functions and mechanisms of gene regulation remain to be elucidated. The current stage of research on miRNA expression profiles for diagnostic purposes in complex disorders such as Alzheimer's disease is still in its early phase, primarily due to the intricate nature of the underlying pathological causes, which encompass a diverse range of pathways and targets. Hence, this review comprehensively addressed the alteration of miRNA expression across diverse sources such as peripheral blood, exosome, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain in AD patients. This review also addresses the nascent involvement of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of AD and their prospective utility as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these conditions in future research.

Small RNA-Seq to Unveil the miRNA Expression Patterns and Identify the Target Genes in Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng, renowned for its medicinal properties, relies on adventitious roots and hairy roots as crucial sources for the production of ginsenosides. Despite the widespread utilization of ginseng, investigations into its miRNAs have remained scarce. To address this gap, two samples of ginseng adventitious roots and ginseng hairy roots were collected, and subsequent construction and sequencing of small RNA libraries of ginseng adventitious roots and hairy roots were performed using the Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform. The analysis of the sequencing data unveiled total miRNAs 2432. The miR166 and miR396 were the most highly expressed miRNA families in ginseng. The miRNA expression analysis results were used to validate the qRT-PCR. Target genes of miRNA were predicted and GO function annotation and KEGG pathway analysis were performed on target genes. It was found that miRNAs are mainly involved in synthetic pathways and biological processes in plants, which include metabolic and bioregulatory processes. The plant miRNAs enriched KEGG pathways are associated with some metabolism, especially amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. These results provide valuable insights miRNAs and their roles in metabolic processes in ginseng.

Genetic Variation in miR-27a Is Associated with Fluoropyrimidine-Associated Toxicity in Patients with Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Variants after Genotype-Guided Dose Reduction

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) is the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the metabolism of fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy. However, single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in DPYD only partially explain fluoropyrimidine-induced toxicity. The expression of DPYD has previously been shown to be regulated by microRNA-27a (miR-27a) and a common miR-27a SNV (rs895819) has been associated with an increased risk of toxicity in patients harboring a DPYD variant who received standard fluoropyrimidine dosing. We investigated if the miR-27a rs895819 SNV was associated with toxicity in DPYD wildtype patients and carriers of DPYD variants who received a reduced dose. The regulation of DPYD using miR-27a was investigated in HepG2 cells utilizing a miR-27a mimic. miR-27a overexpression decreased DPYD mRNA expression compared to control cells (p < 0.0001). In a cohort of patients that received pre-emptive DPYD genotyping, 45 patients had a DPYD variant and 180 were wildtype. Patients heterozygous for rs895819 had an increased risk of toxicity, which was seen in both patients who were wildtype for DPYD variants (OR (95%CI) = 1.99 (1.00-3.99)) and DPYD variant carriers (OR (95%CI) = 8.10 (1.16-86.21)). Therefore, miR-27a rs895819 may be a clinically relevant predictor of fluoropyrimidine-associated toxicities. Furthermore, toxicity was more profound in DPYD variant carriers, even after DPYD genotype-guided dose reduction. This suggests that patients may benefit from miR-27a genotyping to guide fluoropyrimidine dosing.

Potential Diagnostic Utility of microRNAs in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Early detection of gastrointestinal cancers is beneficial for patient survival and prognosis. MiRNAs have been shown to be potential cancer biomarkers that can be used to diagnose cancers. MiRNAs are single-stranded, small non-coding RNAs that are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of the expression of different oncogenes. Cancer tissues contain miRNAs that play a special role in the etiology of cancer development or limiting cancer suppression. Dysregulation of miRNAs occurs in a variety of malignancies, including gastrointestinal cancers. MiRNAs are stable and protected against degradation by RNase, which enables their detection in tissues and biological fluids. The results of many studies suggest that miRNAs have a relatively higher diagnostic efficiency in distinguishing cancer patients from healthy people. The researchers have identified many miRNA signature in the blood for the detection of gastrointestinal cancers. This review focuses on the role and potential utility of miRNAs in the early detection, prognosis and evaluation of the treatment effectiveness of gastrointestinal cancers.

The role of microRNAs in nicotine signaling

Cigarette smoking is a harmful habit that is widespread around the world. It is among the well-known lifestyle-related risk factors for many diseases. Nicotine, as its principal constituent, has various detrimental, and beneficial functions. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are present in nearly all body cells, are how nicotine works. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that nicotine causes abnormal microRNA expression (miRNAs). These short sequences of RNAs are known to regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. A wide range of miRNAs are modulated by nicotine, and nicotine-induced miRNA changes could subsequently mediate nicotine's effect on gene expression regulation. We will focus on the reciprocal interaction between nAChRs and miRNAs and describe the essential targets of these dysregulated miRNAs after nicotine exposure and activation of nAChRs. It appears that crucial subcellular mechanisms implicated in nicotine's effects are miRNA-related pathways. It is crucial to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of nicotine as well as the dysregulation of miRNA following nAChR activation. The finding about epigenetic mechanisms of nicotine-induced effects may shed light on the establishment of new treatment strategies to prevent the harmful effects of nicotine and perhaps may augment the beneficial effects in diverse smoking-related diseases.

Exosomal miRNAs-mediated macrophage polarization and its potential clinical application

Macrophages are highly heterogeneous and plastic immune cells that play an important role in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms and tumor cells. After different stimuli, macrophages can polarize to the M1 phenotype to show a pro-inflammatory effect and the M2 phenotype to show an anti-inflammatory effect. The balance of macrophage polarization is highly correlated with disease progression, and therapeutic approaches to reprogram macrophages by targeting macrophage polarization are feasible. There are a large number of exosomes in tissue cells, which can transmit information between cells. In particular, microRNAs (miRNAs) in the exosomes can regulate the polarization of macrophages and further affect the progression of various diseases. At the same time, exosomes are also effective "drug" carriers, laying the foundation for the clinical application of exosomes. This review describes some pathways involved in M1/M2 macrophage polarization and the effects of miRNA carried by exosomes from different sources on the polarization of macrophages. Finally, the application prospects and challenges of exosomes/exosomal miRNAs in clinical treatment are also discussed.