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.

New breakthrough could lead to early detection of knee osteoarthritis

The number of people suffering from osteoarthritis is expected to top 1 billion by 2050. The biggest risk factor for the prevalent, often painful, chronic joint disease is aging. And like aging, there is currently no way to stop it.

1 May 2025

New research aims to illuminate the causes of age-related macular degeneration

It's an unfortunate fact of aging: Live long enough and, eventually, reading this sentence will get difficult, even impossible.

21 Apr 2025

Reversing adipose tissue fibrosis through targeted microRNA therapies

A new review published in Genes & Diseases highlights the transformative role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating and potentially reversing adipose tissue fibrosis, a condition closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

20 Apr 2025

The dual role of microRNAs in lung cancer progression and suppression

Lung cancer (LC) is a major global health issue, with high mortality rates and limited therapeutic options. It is primarily categorized into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

18 Apr 2025

Research uncovers root cause of gland damage in Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects millions worldwide, especially women, causing unrelenting dryness of the mouth and eyes.

7 Apr 2025

Extracellular vesicle miRNAs as potential early biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. This study sought to determine the potential of extracellular vesicle (EV) microRNAs (miRNAs) to serve as early diagnostic biomarkers for AMI.

17 Jan 2025

Study finds microRNA target to combat breast cancer treatment resistance

A new University of Cincinnati Cancer Center study has identified a particular strand of microRNA as a promising new target for overcoming breast cancer treatment resistance and improving outcomes.

7 Jan 2025

Unexpected discovery opens doors for improved siRNA therapies

In everyday life, when things turn out the opposite of what you expect, it's usually cause for frustration. In science, it's often the starting point for discovery.

20 Dec 2024

Understanding the mechanisms behind alcohol-associated liver disease

A newly published review in eGastroenterology compiles recent research on alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), offering an overview of its pathogenesis and efforts to better understand this condition.

19 Dec 2024

New insights into how cells generate microRNAs

It's a big year for microRNAs. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, who discovered the first microRNA in 1993.

2 Dec 2024

Nanowire-based technology detects cancer-associated miRNAs in urine

Cancer has a high death rate with delayed diagnosis of the disease being one of the main reasons for its fatality.

15 Nov 2024

Study highlights air pollution as key environmental factor in autism risk

Air pollution is a key environmental risk factor for autism, influencing neurodevelopment through neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes.

14 Nov 2024

Innovative urine test could improve pancreatic cancer survival rates

Innovative urinary miRNA profiling shows potential for early pancreatic cancer detection, with high accuracy and sensitivity, transforming screening practices.

14 Nov 2024

Targeting ferroptosis for overcoming chemoresistance in digestive tract tumors

The global burden of digestive tract tumors is profound, with these cancers accounting for nearly half of all malignant tumors worldwide.

8 Nov 2024

Research reveals role of IGFBP3 in human lung development

Researchers of the University of Barcelona and the August Pi y Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) have shown that the IGFBP3 protein plays a relevant role in human lung development.

1 Nov 2024

Researchers create mini-brains to study autism and test new treatments

Using stem cells generated from patients with a rare and severe form of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, Scripps Research scientists have grown personalized "mini-brains" (or organoids) to study the disorder in new detail.

23 Oct 2024

Study identifies RNA molecule crucial for skin wound healing

A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has identified an RNA molecule that is important for skin wound healing.

8 Oct 2024

UCLA Health researchers showcase advances in radiation oncology at ASTRO

UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers and physicians who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies will present data on the latest radiation oncology research and clinical trial results at the 66th annual American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) meeting in Washington D.C., Sept. 29 to Oct. 2.

27 Sep 2024

New biomarkers offer hope for early detection and prevention of Alzheimer's

The failure to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia in the elderly, at an early stage of molecular pathology is considered a major reason why treatments fail in clinical trials. Previous research to molecularly diagnose Alzheimer's disease yielded "A/T/N" central biomarkers based on the measurements of proteins, β-amyloid ("A") and tau ("T"), and "N" encompassing neurodegeneration. A/T/N can be measured in brain tissue, by in vivo brain imaging techniques, and by analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and plasma.

18 Sep 2024

MicroRNA profiles help assess cancer risk in Lynch syndrome carriers

In his doctoral dissertation completed at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, Tero Sievänen demonstrates that the cancer risk of Lynch syndrome carriers can be assessed based on circulating microRNA profiles.

18 Sep 2024