A recent study published in PNAS reveals that a specific microRNA, miR-206, plays a pivotal role in normal muscle development during embryonic stages. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the maintenance and regeneration of healthy muscle tissue, particularly in diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cancer.
A recent study published in International Journal of Cancer found that boosting the production of a specific microRNA, miR-34a, increases sensitivity of bladder cancer cells to chemotherapy. The study suggests that miR-34a may be used as a predictor of response to chemotherapy and a target for new drugs.
U-M researchers found that attacking specific microRNA molecules can reduce deaths from sepsis. The approach also holds promise for other inflammatory diseases like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and graft-vs.-host disease.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found that blocking two specific RNA molecules can suppress abnormal blood vessel growth in degenerative eye disorders. This finding suggests a potential strategy to treat age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness among older people.
Researchers at UofL removed microRNA 21 from mice and found reduced skin tumor formation compared to control groups. The study suggests that miR-21 plays a role in cancer growth and that its removal increases the body's own tumor-suppressing ability.
Research reveals that long non-coding RNA SPRY4-IT1 promotes cellular survival and invasion in melanoma cells, suggesting its potential as an early biomarker. The study also found reduced levels of another non-coding RNA, miR-211, in melanoma cells.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers shows that chronic inflammation can lead to cancer by stimulating the production of microRNA-155, which increases the rate of spontaneous gene mutations. This discovery suggests that reducing miR-155 levels may improve treatment for inflammation-related cancers.
Researchers found that four microRNAs (miR-22, miR-138-2, miR-148a, and miR-488) are associated with panic disorder, regulating genes related to anxiety pathways in the brain. The study suggests a coordinated involvement of multiple risk genes, implying the existence of molecular 'switches' that control gene function.
New research explores the role of microRNAs in understanding immunoregulation, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. MicroRNAs are also being investigated as therapeutic targets in cancer and potential biomarkers for various diseases.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new mechanism driving lung cancer metastasis, involving the suppression of microRNA miR-200 by Jagged2. The study found that low levels of miR-200 may indicate susceptibility to Notch inhibitors currently in clinical trial.
A newly discovered activity of the p53 gene activates microRNA miR-200c to reverse epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells. The study offers a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting tumor-initiating cells with stem cell characteristics.
Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology have found a regulatory RNA called miR-429 that can induce metastatic cancer cells to convert back into less invasive forms. This discovery may allow physicians to treat ovarian cancer more effectively with traditional chemotherapy.
A team at Sanford-Burnham identified specific microRNAs that enhance the reprogramming process from skin cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Adding these miRNAs increases cell survival and improves iPS cell generation.
Research identifies miR-143 and miR-145 as downregulated biomarkers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, showing anti-oncogenic activity. These findings suggest that microRNAs may serve as useful biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targets.
Researchers identified miR-96 as a key regulator of auditory sensory hair cell development. The study revealed that mutations in this microRNA prevent the normal progression of hair cell development, leading to deafness. This breakthrough discovery opens new avenues for developing treatments for progressive hearing loss and deafness.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered a molecule, microRNA-29, that can make brain cells resistant to programmed cell death or apoptosis. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center found that a specific microRNA, miR-34a, suppresses prostate cancer stem cells and metastasis by targeting the surface protein CD44. The study provides a strong rationale for developing new treatment options for prostate cancer.
Research found that a specific microRNA (miR-503) can impair the ability of endothelial cells to form new blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of amputation in diabetic patients. Inhibiting this miRNA improved blood vessel formation.
Scientists discover a pro-survival mechanism in skin cancer cells, which may lead to new therapeutic targets. Researchers also develop a method to generate hyaline cartilage using adult skin cells.
A recent study by Leif Ellisen and colleagues found that inhibiting certain microRNAs decreased tumor growth and made cells more sensitive to chemotherapy in a model of squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers identified a feedback loop between p63, microRNAs, and p73 that promotes cancer cell survival and chemoresistance.
A study discovered a microRNA-TP53 circuit that explains the link between chromosome deletion and less aggressive forms of CLL. MicroRNAs miR-15a and miR-16-1 inhibit tumor-suppressing gene TP53, while its increased expression leads to indolent CLL. This mechanism may also contribute to chemotherapy resistance.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a potential therapy strategy by restoring lost microRNAs in human pancreatic tumor cells. The study found that these microRNAs put brakes on tumors when the KRAS gene is mutated, a common event in pancreatic cancer.
A team of UC Riverside entomologists has identified a microRNA molecule that disrupts the Aedes aegypti mosquito's ability to transmit dengue and yellow fever viruses. The discovery could help control the spread of vector-borne diseases by reducing the mosquito population.
In mouse models, overexpression of microRNA 125b (miR-125b) causes leukemia and accelerates its progression. The study found that miR-125b is a major cancer-causing microRNA, leading to different types of leukemia.
A study published in Cancer Research reveals that microRNA-375 plays a crucial role in breast cancer cells, leading to increased estrogen receptor alpha levels. Blocking this microRNA effectively slows down cancer cell growth, offering potential new strategies for treatment.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found a potential genetic target, miR765, which can down-regulate protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor-1 and reduce cardiac muscle contractility. This micro-RNA may play a role in heart disease development by decreasing or deactivating proteins that help the heart function at full capacity.
Researchers discovered a genetic material involved in regulating HDL cholesterol levels. A microRNA called miR-33a helps keep high-density lipoprotein stable, and inhibiting it may raise HDL levels. Additionally, biopolymer hydrogel injections improved heart function and quality of life in heart failure patients.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a stem cell-infused patch that promotes cell migration to damaged cardiac tissue following a heart attack, resulting in improved function. The patch combines cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and embryonic fibroblasts to enhance regeneration of heart tissues.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a feedback cycle involving microRNAs, proteins called ZEB1 and ZEB2, and pregnancy-maintaining hormone progesterone. MicroRNA levels increase before labor, enabling uterine contractions.
A team of scientists has found that microRNAs, tiny ribonucleic acid molecules, play a crucial role in mammary gland development in mice. The absence of these molecules resulted in the complete failure of duct development in the mammary glands of mice.
Researchers have identified key molecules in multiple myeloma that can trigger expression of the P53 tumor suppressor gene, slowing cell growth and leading to death. The study suggests re-activating these microRNAs could provide a new treatment strategy for the disease.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center found that TAp63, a tumor-suppressing protein, blocks cancer spread by activating Dicer and miR-130b. This discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding cancer development and metastasis.
Scientists have identified microRNA miR-33 as a key to controlling HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels. Increasing miR-33 levels resulted in lower HDL cholesterol levels, while turning it off raised HDL levels.
Researchers discovered Prozac's mechanism of action, revealing that it increases serotonin levels by releasing a signal molecule that reduces microRNA miR-16, unlocking expression of the serotonin transporter. This unlocks new 'source' of serotonin production in brain neurons, leading to antidepressant effects.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that overexpressing microRNA-21 promotes the formation, growth and survival of new tumors in mice with non-small-cell lung cancer. The study suggests that inhibiting miR-21 could be a therapeutic approach to treating the disease.
A study by Heike Allgayer's team found that micro-RNA miR-200c inhibits the motility and invasive capacity of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Higher miR-200c levels were associated with increased tissue-anchoring molecules and lower metastasis rates.
Researchers have discovered a protein called methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) that may control the addictive impact of cocaine in the brain. MeCP2 interacts with microRNA to regulate an individual's motivation to consume cocaine, and its influence can reduce vulnerability to addiction.
Researchers at Caltech have identified a novel group of microRNAs that regulate the production of hematopoietic stem cells, which produce blood cells. The study found that one particular miRNA enhances the production of mature blood cells but can also induce aggressive leukemia when overexpressed.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identify microRNA miR-132 as the 'gas pedal' controlling uncontrolled blood vessel growth. They develop an anti-miR therapy to restore functionality to the 'brake,' halting disease progression in mouse models of cancer and retinal disorders.
Researchers discovered a new biological pathway where microRNA helps protect red blood cells from injury caused by chemicals called free radicals. The study found that the microRNA regulates gene activity by acting on an unexpected signaling pathway, which may have medical implications beyond blood cell development.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a tiny RNA fragment, miR-451, that regulates red blood cell production. By inhibiting this process, they hope to develop new treatments for cancers and anemia.
A new study from Queen's University has found that the growth of malignant melanoma can be slowed when MicroRNA 193b is added. Increased levels of miR-193b led to lower levels of cyclin D1 and decreased melanoma cell growth.
Researchers at TGen and VARI discovered a biomarker, miR-92a-2*, linked to survival in SCLC patients. Higher tumor levels of this microRNA are associated with chemoresistance and decreased survival.
A six-man international crew will undergo a simulated 520-day Mars mission to assess the impact of prolonged isolation on mental health. The study aims to better understand how sleep loss, fatigue, and stress affect performance in long-duration space missions.
A team of scientists from Scripps Research Institute has discovered a natural molecule in the body that counters the progression of osteoarthritis. MicroRNA 140 (miR-140) acts as a regulator in bone development and is found to be reduced in cartilage samples from osteoarthritis patients.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have discovered a micro-RNA, miR-33, that regulates key genes involved in cellular cholesterol transport. Inhibiting miR-33 may enhance cholesterol removal from tissues and raise HDL levels.
Researchers identified microRNA-33 as a crucial regulator of cholesterol pathways, suppressing the production of HDL and clearing cholesterol from peripheral tissues. The study suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
Three CU-Boulder-built biomedical payload devices will study microbial biofilms in space, aiming to improve astronaut health and understand gene and protein changes in pathogens. The experiments, led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will examine microbe growth and interactions in space vs. normal gravity.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that microRNA-155 can silence genes protecting against DNA mutations, contributing to cancer progression. The study suggests miR-155 expression may be a key stratification factor in cancer prognosis and treatment.
Researchers at UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered four microRNA biomarkers that predict patient survival in colorectal cancer, with differences in outcomes between Caucasian and African-American patients.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have identified a novel microRNA-mediated genetic pathway responsible for triggering vascular growth in zebrafish embryos. This discovery provides new insights into how vascular systems develop and may offer a potential therapeutic target for limiting blood vessel formation in solid cancers.
Scientists have discovered that a tiny piece of RNA in cells lowers protein production needed for skin cell growth, suggesting new treatment strategies for chronic wounds. Researchers used an experimental drug to silence the RNA segment and saw increased protein levels and skin-cell growth.
Glioblastoma cells use miR-451 to sense glucose availability, slowing cell proliferation and increasing migration. High miR-451 levels correlate with shorter survival, suggesting the molecule as a biomarker for predicting patient prognosis.
Scientists have identified a molecular master switch that catalyzes the transition of precursor cells to mature oligodendrocytes in the brain. The molecule miR-219 plays a crucial role in this process, which has implications for treating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and gliomas.
A study published in Cell reveals that loss of the molecule miR-328 is essential for progression from chronic to blast crisis phase in chronic myeloid leukemia. Maintaining this microRNA level may represent a new treatment strategy for CML blast crisis patients.
A gene regulator, miR-125b-2, has been identified as a key player in the development of leukemia typical of Down syndrome. The over-expression of this microRNA is found to be necessary for the disease's progression. Further studies suggest that miR-125b-2 silences tumor-suppression genes and regulatory microRNAs, spurting the leukemia.
Researchers at TGen Clinical Research Services have discovered three microRNAs that can predict patients with small-cell lung cancer who will be resistant to first-line chemotherapy. These biomarkers, miR-92a-2*, miR-147, and miR-574-5p, were identified through a study of 34 patients with varying stages of SCLC.
Researchers identified three microRNAs linked to chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer, affecting up to 15-30% of patients who are resistant to first-line therapy. The study provides new insights into predicting patient response to treatment and designing targeted therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a naturally occurring molecule in muscle tissue can slow the progression of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) in mice. The study suggests that the molecule, microRNA-206, may be used to develop potential therapies for ALS by promoting nerve regeneration and delaying symptoms.
Researchers at miRagen Therapeutics discovered microRNA-206 plays a crucial role in ALS progression and neuromuscular synaptic regeneration. This finding could lead to novel therapeutic interventions for neuromuscular disorders, offering hope for patients suffering from ALS and other diseases.