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.

Overexpression of miR-155 promotes growth of blood vessels in tumors and metastasis

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have determined that the overexpression of microRNA-155 (miR-155), a short, single strand of ribonucleic acid encoded by the miR-155 host gene, promotes the growth of blood vessels in tumors, tumor inflammation, and metastasis.

4 Apr 2013

Study shows cholesterol rafts can shepherd genetic payloads into cancer cells

DNA, siRNA and miRNA can reprogram cancer cells - that is, if these nucleic acids could cross through the cell membrane. A University of Colorado Cancer Center study published today in the journal Therapeutic Delivery shows that cholesterol "rafts" can shepherd genetic payloads into cancer cells.

3 Apr 2013

Neurological researchers discover novel approach for treatment of brain tumor

In a first-of-its-kind experiment using microvesicles generated from mesenchymal bone marrow cells (MSCs) to treat cancer, neurological researchers at Henry Ford Hospital have discovered a novel approach for treatment of tumor.

2 Apr 2013

Exosomes can transfer membrane proteins, study reveals

Important new research from UMass Medical School demonstrates how exosomes shuttle proteins from neurons to muscle cells where they take part in critical signaling mechanisms, an exciting discovery that means these tiny vehicles could one day be loaded with therapeutic agents, such as RNA interference, and directly target disease-carrying cells.

28 Mar 2013

Study reveals role of SNX27 protein in brain function

What is it about the extra chromosome inherited in Down syndrome-chromosome 21-that alters brain and body development? Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have new evidence that points to a protein called sorting nexin 27, or SNX27.

25 Mar 2013

LMU researchers identify microRNA that offers promising target for new therapies

Atherosclerosis, an inflammatory reaction, is at the root of the most common forms of cardiovascular disease. Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Munich have now identified a microRNA that plays a prominent role in the process, and offers a promising target for new therapies.

25 Mar 2013

CPF and PFF to partner with ATS to fund pulmonary fibrosis research

The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, and the American Thoracic Society-the world's leading professional organization for pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine-today announced that the CPF and the PFF will again partner with the ATS to fund pulmonary fibrosis research.

21 Mar 2013

Study provides new insights about polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance

A group of tiny RNA molecules with a big role in regulating gene expression also appear to have a role in causing insulin resistance in woman with polycystic ovary syndrome and, perhaps, in all women, researchers report.

20 Mar 2013

Alnylam begins dosing in Phase I clinical trial with ALN-TTRsc for treatment of ATTR

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals a leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that it has initiated dosing in its Phase I clinical trial with ALN-TTRsc, an RNAi therapeutic targeting transthyretin (TTR) for the treatment of TTR-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR).

19 Mar 2013

Mir-125a-5p plays an essential role in ensuring that embryonic tissue segments form properly

New research shows that a tiny piece of RNA has an essential role in ensuring that embryonic tissue segments form properly.

12 Mar 2013

MiR-198 controls migration of skin cells necessary for wounds to close and heal

Patients with diseases such as diabetes suffer from painful wounds that take a long time to heal making them more susceptible to infections that could even lead to amputations. A*STAR's discovery paves the way for therapeutics to improve healing of such chronic wounds, which are a significant burden to patients.

11 Mar 2013

Study helps explain why viruses often spread through the brain in patchwork patterns

Viruses often spread through the brain in patchwork patterns, infecting some cells but missing others. New research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis helps explain why. The scientists showed that natural immune defenses that resist viral infection are turned on in some brain cells but switched off in others.

8 Mar 2013

MicroRNA expression signatures may help define progression of Barrett's esophagus

A series of microRNA expression signatures that may help to define progression of the precancerous condition Barrett's esophagus into esophageal adenocarcinoma was reported recently in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

7 Mar 2013

Schizophrenic people with MIR137 tend to develop illness at younger age

Some of the dramatic differences seen among patients with schizophrenia may be explained by a single gene that regulates a group of other schizophrenia risk genes. These findings appear in a new imaging-genetics study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

5 Mar 2013

IntegraGen, Lab21 collaborate to develop new microRNA assay for colorectal cancer

Lab21 Limited, the global specialist in personalised medicine and clinical diagnostics, has entered into an agreement with IntegraGen, a leading player in the development and marketing of molecular diagnostic testing in autism and oncology, to develop a microRNA assay for colorectal cancer designed to further improve patient outcomes.

22 Feb 2013

MicroRNA News and Research

Further Reading

Overexpression of miR-155 promotes growth of blood vessels in tumors and metastasis

Study shows cholesterol rafts can shepherd genetic payloads into cancer cells

Neurological researchers discover novel approach for treatment of brain tumor

Exosomes can transfer membrane proteins, study reveals

Study reveals role of SNX27 protein in brain function

LMU researchers identify microRNA that offers promising target for new therapies

CPF and PFF to partner with ATS to fund pulmonary fibrosis research

Study provides new insights about polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance

Alnylam begins dosing in Phase I clinical trial with ALN-TTRsc for treatment of ATTR

Mir-125a-5p plays an essential role in ensuring that embryonic tissue segments form properly

MiR-198 controls migration of skin cells necessary for wounds to close and heal

Study helps explain why viruses often spread through the brain in patchwork patterns

MicroRNA expression signatures may help define progression of Barrett's esophagus

Schizophrenic people with MIR137 tend to develop illness at younger age

IntegraGen, Lab21 collaborate to develop new microRNA assay for colorectal cancer

MicroRNAs hold promise as markers for bladder cancer prognosis

Cigarette smoke mediates epigenetic repression of miR-487b during pulmonary carcinogenesis

Theradiag’s new biotherapy monitoring kits receive CE mark approval

Researchers identify miR-506 as potential therapeutic candidate for metastatic ovarian cancer

Biomarkers could be antidote to overdose overtreatment

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