| Abstract: | As the most abundant liver-specific microRNA,microRNA-122 (miR-122) is involved in various physiological processes in hepatic function as well as in liver pathology.There is now compelling evidence that miR-122,as a regulator of gene networks and pathways in hepatocytes,plays a central role in diverse aspects of hepatic function and in the progress of liver diseases.This liver-enriched transcription factors-regulated miRNA promotes differentiation of hepatocytes and regulates lipid metabolism.With regard to liver diseases,miR-122 was shown to stimulate hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication through a unique and unusual interaction with two binding sites in the 5'-UTR of HCV genome to mediate the stability of the viral RNA,whereas inhibit the expression and replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by a miR-122-cylin G1/p53-HBV enhancer regulatory pathway.In addition,miR-122 acts as a suppressor of cell proliferation and malignant transformation of hepatocytes with remarkable tumor inhibition activity.Notably,a clinical trial targeting miR-122 with the anti-miR-122 oligonucleotides miravirsen,the first miRNA targeted drug,has been initiated for treatment of HCV infection.With further understanding of the comprehensive roles of miR-122 in hepatic functions and the mechanisms involved in miR-122 down-regulation in chronic hepatitis or hepatocellular carcinoma,miR-122 appears to be a promising candidate for effective therapeutic approaches against tumor and infectious diseases. |
