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 discover genetic process that may allow ovarian cancer to resist chemotherapy

York University researchers have zeroed in on a genetic process that may allow ovarian cancer to resist chemotherapy.

3 Mar 2011

Santaris licenses miR-33 from MGH to treat cardiovascular disorders

Santaris Pharma A/S, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of mRNA and microRNA targeted therapies, today announced that the Company has obtained an exclusive license from Massachusetts General Hospital for intellectual property related to the regulation of miR-33 for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

1 Mar 2011

Researcher identifies substance that inhibits cancer growth by activating 'dark genome'

A research study coordinated by Manel Esteller, researcher at Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) has identified a substance that inhibits cancer growth by activating the so‑called "dark genome" (or non‑coding DNA) and micro‑RNA molecules. The study appears this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

1 Mar 2011

p53 gene blocks EMT essential to cancer metastasis

Like a bounty hunter returning escapees to custody, a cancer-fighting gene converts organ cells that change into highly mobile stem cells back to their original, stationary state, researchers report online at Nature Cell Biology.

28 Feb 2011

Affymetrix introduces new GeneChip miRNA 2.0 Array

Affymetrix, Inc. today launched the GeneChip miRNA 2.0 Array. This enhanced version of its best-in-class microRNA interrogation solution will support the research community's pursuit of personalized medicine by accelerating the identification of biomarkers and gene expression signatures associated with disease.

28 Feb 2011

Isis Pharma announces ISIS-CRPRx Phase 1 trial results in diseases with elevated CRP

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today the results from a Phase 1 clinical trial in which ISIS-CRPRx produced statistically significant reductions in C-reactive protein in the cohort of subjects in the study with elevated CRP.

24 Feb 2011

NanoString launches fixed-panel assay product for human molecular karyotyping

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held life sciences company marketing a complete solution for detecting and counting large sets of target molecules in biological samples, today announced the first fixed-panel assay product to be developed on its Copy Number Variation detection platform - the nCounter Human Karyotype Panel.

From NanoString Technologies 22 Feb 2011

FDA grants miRagen's MGN-4893 orphan drug designation for treatment of polycythemia vera

miRagen Therapeutics, Inc., a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused on improving patients' lives by developing innovative microRNA (miRNA)-based therapeutics for cardiovascular and muscle disease, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to the company's compound MGN-4893 for the treatment of polycythemia vera, a myeloproliferative disease characterized by an overabundance of blood cells and platelets in the body.

18 Feb 2011

Generation of iPSCs can be enhanced by modulating miRNA action

Stem cells are ideal tools to understand disease and develop new treatments; however, they can be difficult to obtain in necessary quantities. In particular, generating induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be an arduous task because reprogramming differentiated adult skin cells into iPS cells requires many steps and the efficiency is very low - researchers might end up with only a few iPS cells even if they started with a million skin cells.

3 Feb 2011

Isis commences ISIS-FXIRx Phase 1 study for treatment of clotting disorders

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the initiation of a Phase 1 study of ISIS-FXIRx, an antisense drug designed to treat clotting disorders. ISIS-FXIRx inhibits the production of Factor XI, a clotting factor that is an important component of the coagulation pathway. Because of its role in the intrinsic coagulation pathway, inhibition of Factor XI could offer an effective approach for preventing the formation of blood clots with a lower risk of bleeding.

2 Feb 2011

Researchers discover 'common set of dysregulated miRNAs in murine lupus models'

Potentially impacting future diagnosis and treatment of lupus, an immune illness affecting more than 5 million people worldwide, researchers at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech have likely uncovered where the breakdown in the body's lymphocyte molecular regulatory machinery is occurring.

1 Feb 2011

Positive results from RXi's sd-rxRNA technology for development of novel therapeutics

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a recognized leader in RNAi-based therapeutics, announced today that, as part of its collaboration with miRagen Therapeutics, positive data were generated demonstrating that RXi's sd-rxRNA technology can be used, in vitro, to specifically enhance the activity of a microRNA of high interest to miRagen.

28 Jan 2011

NanoString Technologies launches nCounter Mouse miRNA Expression Assay Kit

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held life sciences company marketing a complete solution for detecting and counting large sets of target molecules in biological samples, today announced the expansion of its microRNA (miRNA) product line with a multiplexed assay for profiling the mouse miRNA transcriptome.

From NanoString Technologies 25 Jan 2011

Exiqon launches new Hi-Power microRNA labeling kits

Exiqon, a leading supplier of high-value gene expression analysis products, today announced the launch of the 3rd generation of miRCURY LNA microRNA Labeling Kit called Hi-Power for labeling of microRNAs for downstream hybridization to microRNA arrays.

24 Jan 2011

Mutation of microRNA miR-96 causes deafness

New research from the University of Sheffield has revealed that the molecular mechanism underlying deafness is caused by a mutation of a specific microRNA called miR-96. The discovery could provide the basis for treating progressive hearing loss and deafness.

21 Jan 2011

MicroRNA-29 molecule makes brain cells resistant to programmed cell death

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered a molecule that can make brain cells resistant to programmed cell death or apoptosis.

19 Jan 2011

New data on role of miR-34 tumor suppressor in preventing cancer stem cell development

Mirna Therapeutics, Inc., a leading developer of microRNA (miRNA)-based therapeutics, announced today the publication of new data in the journal Nature Medicine describing the role of the tumor suppressor miRNA, miR-34, in preventing cancer stem cell development. The published results reveal that miR-34 is commonly down-regulated in prostate cancer stem cells and that this down-regulation is essential for cancer stem cell viability.

18 Jan 2011

Study finds miRNAs inhibits prostate cancer metastasis

A small slice of RNA inhibits prostate cancer metastasis by suppressing a surface protein commonly found on prostate cancer stem cells. A research team led by scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported today in an advance online publication at Nature Medicine.

18 Jan 2011

Study highlights important clinical implications of miR-503 in diabetes-associated vascular complications

New research has found one of the smallest entities in the human genome, micro-RNA, could increase the risk of limb amputation in diabetic patients who have poor blood flow.

13 Jan 2011

Exiqon launches 2nd generation of miRCURY LNA microRNA Inhibitor libraries for genome-wide screening

Exiqon A/S, a leading supplier of high-value gene expression analysis products, today announced the launch of the 2nd generation of miRCURY LNA microRNA Inhibitor libraries for genome-wide screening of microRNA function in human and mouse. Several libraries have already been shipped to the first customers.

12 Jan 2011