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.

Exploring the impact of DNA nanoswitches in RNA purification

A new study reports a tool to enable RNA purification by sequence, helping to determine the structure, chemical modifications, and interactions between different RNA molecules.

15 Dec 2021

Study identifies small RNA molecule as a therapeutic target for COPD

Research led by the Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has identified a small RNA molecule called microRNA-21 as a therapeutic target and its inhibition as a potential treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

24 Nov 2021

Study explains why moles can change into melanoma

Moles and melanomas are both skin tumors that come from the same cell called melanocytes. The difference is that moles are usually harmless, while melanomas are cancerous and often deadly without treatment.

23 Nov 2021

Liver cancer can be recognized by RNA fragments in saliva and blood

RUDN University doctors examined markers of liver cancer and found that the disease can be recognized by RNA fragments in saliva and blood. The results are published in Oncotarget.

23 Nov 2021

Study reveals a previously unrecognized cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes

Altered function of the red blood cells leads to vascular damage in type 2 diabetes. Results from a new study in cells from patients with type 2 diabetes and mice show that this effect is caused by low levels of an important molecule in the red blood cells.

9 Nov 2021

Study highlights the critical role of junk DNA in mammalian development

Nearly half of our DNA has been written off as junk, the discards of evolution: sidelined or broken genes, viruses that got stuck in our genome and were dismembered or silenced, none of it relevant to the human organism or human evolution.

19 Oct 2021

Researchers discover molecules in the blood that can indicate impending dementia

Researchers at the DZNE and the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) have identified molecules in the blood that can indicate impending dementia. Their findings, which are presented in the scientific journal "EMBO Molecular Medicine", are based on human studies and laboratory experiments. Various university hospitals across Germany were also involved in the investigations.

11 Oct 2021

Study explores the relationship between cytokines in saliva and COVID-19 severity

Penn State College of Medicine researchers are involved in an ongoing study looking at the relationship between proteins called cytokines in saliva and COVID-19 infection to help predict the severity of infection.

8 Oct 2021

Study aims to find ways of identifying children at risk for severe COVID-19

An ongoing study is looking at the relationship between cytokines in saliva and COVID-19 infection to help predict the severity of infection.

8 Oct 2021

Study identifies specific small RNA molecule that can reduce levels of cancer-promoting gene

In a recent study published in CANCER RESEARCH , a team led by researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) identified a specific small RNA molecule, called a microRNA (miRNA or miR), that has the potential to be used as an anti-cancer therapeutic.

5 Oct 2021

Novel sensor could diagnose a heart attack in less than 30 minutes

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Florida have developed a sensor that could diagnose a heart attack in less than 30 minutes, according to a study published in Lab on a Chip.

3 Oct 2021

Researchers detect two types of RNA base modifications simultaneously using a quantum sequencer

After a gene is transcribed into RNA, modifications can occur to the subunits or "bases" that make up the RNA molecule, which can affect its structure and function. The study of these changes is known as "epitranscriptomics." These base modifications can occur to most types of RNA molecules, including microRNAs.

29 Sep 2021