MicroRNA News and Research

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In genetics, microRNAs (miRNA) are single-stranded RNA molecules of 21-23 nucleotides in length, which regulate gene expression. miRNAs are encoded by genes from whose DNA they are transcribed but miRNAs are not translated into protein (i.e. they are non-coding RNAs); instead each primary transcript (a pri-miRNA) is processed into a short stem-loop structure called a pre-miRNA and finally into a functional miRNA. Mature miRNA molecules are partially complementary to one or more messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, and their main function is to down-regulate gene expression.

Scientists identify potential therapeutic target for aggressive lymphomas

Scientists at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III have identified a possible therapeutic target for 2 types of very aggressive lymphomas.

28 Feb 2017

Study finds no evidence that genetic material from food is absorbed into the body

A study from the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, finds no evidence that genetic material from food is absorbed in the human body where it would e.g. be able to change the body's ability to regulate the cholesterol metabolism or influence the immune system.

23 Feb 2017

Researchers explore ways to tamper reproductive events in dengue- and Zika-spreading mosquito

The mosquito Aedes aegypti, which can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika fever, and yellow fever virus, requires a blood meal to develop eggs.

22 Feb 2017

Targeting RNA repeats

RNA repeats are stretches of code in the body that incrementally repeat. For example, in the most common cause of adult-on-set muscular dystrophy a RNA has a repeat of r(CUG) and this three letter code can repeat thousands of times.

20 Feb 2017

Study provides insight into how microRNA may amplify effects of drug treatment in liver cancer

Treatment options for liver cancer are often limited and almost exclusively involve transplantation if possible, or local chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation.

17 Feb 2017

Signals from fat cells may aid in diagnostics for metabolic conditions

Fat cells are not simply big blobs of lipid quietly standingby in the body--instead, they send out hormones and other signaling proteins that affect many types of tissues.

15 Feb 2017

Estrogen regulates specific exosome-packed microRNAs in blood circulation, study shows

A study at the Gerontology Research Center demonstrated that, in blood circulation, the exosome-carried messenger molecule profile differs between post- and premenopausal women.

15 Feb 2017

Study discovers how gut bacteria interacts with microRNAs to promote colon cancer growth

Gut microbes can influence the growth of colon cancer, though little is known about how they trigger the disease.

14 Feb 2017

Study shows how microRNA molecule promotes prostate cancer metastasis

RAISED levels of a tiny molecule in the bloodstream have been linked with prostate cancer metastasis, potentially helping researchers detect the spread of the disease sooner.

27 Jan 2017

Stem cell secretions appear to protect retinal ganglion cells in rats, study shows

A new study in rats shows that stem cell secretions, called exosomes, appear to protect cells in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye.

27 Jan 2017

Adelaide researchers uncover new pathway that regulates spread of prostate cancer

University of Adelaide researchers have uncovered a new pathway which regulates the spread of prostate cancer around the body.

26 Jan 2017

Serum microRNAs could serve as promising biomarkers for monitoring progression of MS

MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that influence basic cellular processes and have been proposed as biomarkers for the diagnosis, progression and treatment of multiple sclerosis.

23 Jan 2017

Inhibition of EZH2 protein could be new strategy to treat multiple myeloma

In a study published in the scientific journal Oncotarget, researchers from Uppsala University show how the protein EZH2 affects the development of multiple myeloma, and that inhibition of EZH2 could be used as a new strategy to treat the disease.

12 Jan 2017

Penn State researchers develop novel compound to combat cytomegalovirus

A Retro94-based compound may prevent a common and sometimes fatal virus -- human cytomegalovirus (CMV) -- from reproducing and help to protect immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV, on chemotherapy, with transplants, and infants from the effects of the disease, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.

10 Jan 2017

A new strategy to fight prostate cancer

A new study led by scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) sheds light on a signaling circuit in cells that drives therapy resistance in prostate cancer.

30 Dec 2016

New ultrasensitive detection system of in-flow microRNAs uses encoded microgels

Single-stranded, noncoding micro-ribonucleic acids, consisting of 18-23 nucleotides, play a key role in regulating gene expression.

19 Dec 2016

ABIVAX reports preclinical data on first-in-class drug candidate for functional cure of HIV/AIDS patients

ABIVAX an innovative biotechnology company targeting the immune system to eliminate viral disease, announced today that the Company presented new preclinical data on ABX464, ABIVAX's first-in-class drug candidate for a functional cure of patients with HIV/AIDS, during this week's HIV DART scientific conference in Los Cabos, Mexico.

9 Dec 2016

Genetic differences between brain cancer cells and normal tissues could offer clues to tumor behavior

Two recently discovered genetic differences between brain cancer cells and normal tissue cells -- an altered gene and a snippet of noncoding genetic material -- could offer clues to tumor behavior and potential new targets for therapy, Johns Hopkins scientists report.

2 Dec 2016

Researchers show how microRNAs play key role in tumor progression and response to radiation

OHSU researcher Sudarshan Anand, Ph.D., has a contemporary analogy to describe microRNA: "I sometimes compare MicroRNA to tweets -- they're short, transient and constantly changing."

2 Dec 2016

Cigarette smoking may lead to fibrosis in the heart and kidneys, study reveals

Smoking may lead to fibrosis in the heart and kidneys and can worsen existing kidney disease, according to a new study.

1 Dec 2016