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.

Study reveals the effect of ancestry on molecular makeup of cancer

Questions about the genealogical imprint of tumors have hovered over cancer research since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003.

11 May 2020

Study: Genes may play a far more complex role in oocyte maturation than previously assumed

Over the last six years a group of Estonian geneticists led by Associate Professor Agne Velthut-Meikas and a PhD student Ilmatar Rooda from TalTech Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology have studied genes previously associated primarily with female hormone synthesis and ovarian follicle development.

7 May 2020

Using Multiplex Assays to Discover Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease

In this interview, Dr. Polinski and Dr. Atabakhsh discuss the importance of developing biomarkers for Parkinson’s and the partnership between MJFF and Abcam.

From Abcam 1 May 2020

Horizon Discovery and Pharmahungary report positive early-stage results for novel micro-RNA therapeutic for ischemic heart diseases

Horizon Discovery Group plc and Pharmahungary Group announced positive early-stage results for a novel micro-RNA therapeutic for ischemic heart diseases.

31 Mar 2020

Crumpled graphene can be used to make ultra-sensitive cancer DNA detector

Crumpled graphene can enhance graphene-based biosensors, increasing sensitivity to DNA for accurate detection of cancer.

24 Mar 2020

Crumpled grapheme can be more sensitive in detecting DNA cancer markers

Graphene-based biosensors could usher in an era of liquid biopsy, detecting DNA cancer markers circulating in a patient's blood or serum. But current designs need a lot of DNA.

24 Mar 2020

Scientists find new way to amplify miRNA in live tumor cells for bioimaging

A good indicator of dysregulation in live cells is a change in their RNA expression. MicroRNA (miRNA), a special type of RNA, is considered a biomarker for carcinogenic cells.

16 Mar 2020

Overview of prognostic and predictive factors in pancreatic cancer

Oncotarget Volume 11, Issue 10 reported that there are not standardized predictive biomarkers able to identify patients who benefit most from treatments.

13 Mar 2020

MicroRNA dysregulation has critical impacts on development, inflammation and cancer development

Oncotarget Volume 11, Issue 10 reported that dysregulation of noncoding micro RNA molecules has been associated with immune cell activation in the context of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation as well as carcinogenesis, but also with downregulation of mismatch repair genes, and may interfere with immune checkpoint proteins that lead to the overexpression of antigens on gastric tumor cells.

13 Mar 2020

Large non-protein coding gene regulates process vital to placental implantation in early pregnancy

Abnormal formation and growth of the placenta is considered an underlying cause of various pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

25 Feb 2020

Both strands of microRNA cooperate to drive cancer growth and aggressiveness, research shows

Researchers long thought that only one strand of a double-stranded microRNA can silence genes. Though recent evidence has challenged that dogma, it's unclear what the other strand does, and how the two may be involved in cancer.

20 Feb 2020

Treating soft tissue sarcoma with shorter radiation treatment found to be safe, effective

A new study led by researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that treating soft tissue sarcoma with radiation over a significantly shorter period of time is safe, and likely just as effective, as a much longer conventional course of treatment.

13 Feb 2020

P53-deficient oral cancers recruit and reprogram nerves to fuel tumor growth

Loss of an important tumor-suppressing gene allows head and neck cancer to spin off signals to nearby nerves, changing their function and recruiting them to the tumor, where they fuel growth and cancer progression, researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center report in the journal Nature today.

13 Feb 2020

MGH researchers uncover potential antiviral drug target for treating infectious diseases

As the coronavirus outbreak shows, viruses are a constant threat to humanity. Vaccines are regularly developed and deployed against specific viruses, but that process takes a lot of time, doesn't help everyone who needs protection, and still leaves people exposed to new outbreaks and new viruses.

11 Feb 2020

Persistent TB infection of macrophages puts the brakes on immune engines, study shows

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered both how TB puts the brakes on our immune engines and how we can kick-start those engines back into gear - providing hope that improved treatment options could soon be on the horizon.

8 Jan 2020

Scientists explain how a common virus causes havoc on bone marrow, organ transplant patients

For the first time, scientists have discovered the molecular mechanism behind how a common virus can wreak havoc on bone marrow and organ transplant patients, according to a paper published in the journal Cell & Host Microbe.

19 Dec 2019

New mechanism that impairs Treg differentiation and stability in type 1 diabetes discovered

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent excessive immune reactions in healthy people. In the development of autoimmune type 1 diabetes, this protection is not sufficiently effective.

19 Dec 2019

A fast, sensitive technique to detect cancer markers brings liquid biopsy closer to clinic

A fast, inexpensive yet sensitive technique to detect cancer markers is bringing researchers closer to a "liquid biopsy" - a test using a small sample of blood or serum to detect cancer, rather than the invasive tissue sampling routinely used for diagnosis.

18 Dec 2019

Detection of mouth, throat cancer through saliva testing could become reality

Cancer of the throat and mouth (oropharyngeal cancers, OPC) are common, and are increasing in incidence especially among younger people. However, these are difficult to diagnose as they are not seen either by the patient or during routine medical examinations.

15 Dec 2019

Gut disease and gene analysis networks

Gut diseases are difficult to diagnose in many cases, and their underlying dysfunction is hard to understand in many cases. Now, a new study published in the journal Molecular Omics promises to uncover a better insight into how these conditions occur and their mechanisms, by providing a deeper look at how genes interact in complex ways in health and fail to do so in disease.

11 Dec 2019