Characterization of microRNAs expressed in the cystic legion of the liver of Mus musculus perorally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis Nemuro strain

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonosis caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis. The published genome of E. multilocularis showed that approximately 86% of its genome is non-coding. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding regulatory RNAs, and recent studies on parasitic helminths expect miRNAs as a promising target for drug development and diagnostic markers. Prior to this study, only a few studies reported the E. multilocularis miRNA profiles in the intermediate host. The primary objective of this study was to characterize miRNA profiles via small RNA-seq in E. multilocularis Nemuro strain, a laboratory strain of Asian genotype, using mice perorally infected with the parasite eggs. The data were then compared with two previously published small RNA-seq data. We identified 44 mature miRNAs as E. multilocularis origin out of the 68 mature miRNA sequences registered in the miRNA database miRbase. The highest quantities of miRNAs detected were miR-10-5p, followed by bantam-3p, let-7-5p, miR-61-3p, and miR-71-5p. The top two most abundant miRNAs (miR-10-5p and bantam-3p) accounted for approximately 80.9% of the total parasite miRNAs. The highly expressed miRNA repertoire is mostly comparable to that obtained from the previous experiment using secondary echinococcosis created by an intraperitoneal administration of metacestodes. A detailed characterization and functional annotations of these shared miRNAs will lead to a better understanding of parasitic dynamics, which could provide a basis for the development of novel diagnostic and treatment methods for AE.     

MicroRNAs的分子进化与调控机制

MicroRNAs(miRNAs)是一类专门调控基因表达的非编码小分子RNA,广泛参与生物发育、细胞分化、细胞凋亡等多种生命进程。miRNAs在不同种系间独立进化且在进化演变中普遍保守。文章综述了miRNAs起源、进化上的保守性及甲基化调控方面研究进展,另外在疾病和动植物应用方面的研究也作了较为详细的阐述。     

The potential role of regulatory microRNAs of RAS/MAPK signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Dysregulation of RAS/MAPK signaling axis is frequently found in CRC patients. The RAS/MAPK axis regulates cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, migration, and metastasis. Oncogenic or tumor-suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) for RAS/MAPK signaling play a key role in the pathogenesis of CRC and are considered as novel potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of human malignancies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mechanisms of action of RAS/MAPK miRNAs in the development and progression of CRC for a better understanding and hence a better management of this disease.     

microRNAs in neurons: manifold regulatory roles at the synapse

The regulation of synapse formation and plasticity in the developing and adult brain underlies a complex interplay of intrinsic genetic programs and extrinsic factors. Recent research identified microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, as a new functional layer in this regulatory network. Within only a few years, a network of synaptic miRNAs and their target genes has been extensively characterized, highlighting the importance of this mechanism for synapse development and physiology. Very recent data further provide insight into activity-dependent regulation of miRNAs, thereby connecting miRNAs with adaptive processes of neural circuits. First direct links between miRNA dysfunction and synaptic pathologies are emerging, raising the interest in these molecules as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in neurological disorders.     

microRNAs in breast cancer: regulatory roles governing the hallmarks of cancer

A large number of etiological factors and the complexity of breast cancers present challenges for prevention and treatment. Recently, the emergence of microRNAs (miRNAs) as cancer biomarkers has added an extra dimension to the ‘molecular signatures’ of breast cancer. Bioinformatic analyses indicate that each miRNA can regulate hundreds of target genes and could serve functionally as ‘oncogenes’ or ‘tumour suppressor’ genes, and co‐ordinate multiple cellular processes relevant to cancer progression. A number of studies have shown that miRNAs play important roles in breast tumorigenesis, metastasis, proliferation and differentiation of breast cancer cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of miRNAs with established functional relevance in breast cancer, their established target genes and resulting cellular phenotype. The role and application of circulating miRNAs in breast cancer is also discussed. Furthermore, we summarize the role of miRNAs in the hallmarks of breast cancer, as well as the possibility of using miRNAs as potential biomarkers for detection of breast cancer.     

A novel regulatory facet for hypertriglyceridemia: The role of microRNAs in the regulation of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein biosynthesis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the major leading global causes of death. Genetic and epidemiological studies strongly support the causal association between triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TAGRL) and atherogenesis, even in statin-treated patients. Recent genetic evidence has clarified that variants in several key genes implicated in TAGRL metabolism are strongly linked to the increased ASCVD risk. There are several triacylglycerol-lowering agents; however, new therapeutic options are in development, among which are miRNA-based therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18–25 nucleotides) that negatively modulate gene expression through translational repression or degradation of target mRNAs, thereby reducing the levels of functional genes. MiRNAs play a crucial role in the development of hypertriglyceridemia as several miRNAs are dysregulated in both synthesis and clearance of TAGRL particles. MiRNA-based therapies in ASCVD have not yet been applied in human trials but are attractive. This review provides a concise overview of current interventions for hypertriglyceridemia and the development of novel miRNA and siRNA-based drugs. We summarize the miRNAs involved in the regulation of key genes in the TAGRLs synthesis pathway, which has gained attention as a novel target for therapeutic applications in CVD.     

MicroRNA对皮肤毛囊发育的调控机制

MicroRNA是参与转录后水平表达调控的重要因子, 在病理上成为药物作用的潜在靶点, 在生理上成为表型调控的潜在位点。目前, 对于microRNA的功能已有一定了解, 但其在皮肤毛囊发育中的作用机制还不完全清楚。近年来, 高通量测序技术为microRNA的鉴定提供了更准确、快速的途径, 研究发现一些microRNA能够影响皮肤毛囊细胞的分化和增殖, 其相关靶基因在调控毛囊周期性生长的过程中充当重要角色。文章综述了近年来microRNA在皮肤毛囊生长发育调控机制研究领域所取得的成果, 以期为后续开展绒山羊毛囊生长相关microRNA作用机制研究提供借鉴。