Abstract Analysis of the human genome indicates that a large fraction of the genome sequences are RNAs that do not encode any proteins,
also known as non-coding RNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNA molecules 20?22 nucleotides (nt) in
length that are predicted to control the activity of approximately 30% of all protein-coding genes in mammals. miRNAs play
important roles in many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immune disorders. The expression of miRNAs
can be regulated by epigenetic modification, DNA copy number change, and genetic mutations. miRNAs can serve as a valuable
therapeutic target for a large number of diseases. For miRNAs with oncogenic capabilities, potential therapies include miRNA
silencing, antisense blocking, and miRNA modifications. For miRNAs with tumor suppression functions, overexpression of those
miRNAs might be a useful strategy to inhibit tumor growth. In this review, we discuss the current progress of miRNA research,
regulation of miRNA expression, prediction of miRNA targets, and regulatory role of miRNAs in human physiology and diseases,
with a specific focus on miRNAs in pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, the immune
system, and infectious disease. This review provides valuable information for clinicians and researchers who want to recognize
the newest advances in this new field and identify possible lines of investigation in miRNAs as important mediators in human
physiology and diseases.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s00268-008-9836-x
- Authors
- Min Li, Baylor College of Medicine Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery-MARB 413 One Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop: BCM390 Houston TX 77030-3411 USA
- Christian Marin-Muller, Baylor College of Medicine Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery-MARB 413 One Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop: BCM390 Houston TX 77030-3411 USA
- Uddalak Bharadwaj, Baylor College of Medicine Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery-MARB 413 One Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop: BCM390 Houston TX 77030-3411 USA
- Kwong-Hon Chow, Baylor College of Medicine Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery-MARB 413 One Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop: BCM390 Houston TX 77030-3411 USA
- Qizhi Yao, Baylor College of Medicine Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery-MARB 413 One Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop: BCM390 Houston TX 77030-3411 USA
- Changyi Chen, Baylor College of Medicine Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery-MARB 413 One Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop: BCM390 Houston TX 77030-3411 USA
Original source: http://www.springerlink.com/content/t183047k51h7gq55/
