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Blocking a microRNA reverses deadly lung disease in study

Researchers identified microRNA-224 as a promising treatment target for pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare disease that damages the blood vessels in the lungs and strains the heart. Blocking the molecule reversed key signs of the disease in animal models, improving blood vessel function and heart performance.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2026

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School develop microRNA-based gene therapy that halts ALS progression in mice

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a microRNA-based gene therapy that suppresses mutant SOD1 production, delaying disease onset by 60 days and extending lifespan by 100 days in mice models of ALS. The therapy, delivered via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, preserves motor neurons and maintains neuromuscular con...

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

How our biological clock starts and keeps ticking

A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified a unique biological clock mechanism in the worm C. elegans, comprising two previously known proteins MYRF-1 and LIN-42. This feedback circuit governs the timing of gene expression pulses, crucial for proper developmental progression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2026

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 14, 2026

An AI-guided framework reveals conserved features governing microRNA strand selection

Researchers have decoded the logic of microRNA strand selection using AI, revealing a conserved and programmable mechanism governing gene regulation. The study found that this decision follows conserved rules rather than chance, with mammalian microRNAs showing a strong bias towards a single dominant strand.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Circular single-stranded DNA for multi-target miRNA therapy

A new circular single-stranded DNA molecule has been developed to simultaneously silence multiple oncogenic miRNAs. The molecule, called circAMO, exhibits high biostability and can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. It shows superior efficiency compared to existing anti-miRNA ...

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025

Overactive microRNAs block fat cell development in progeria

A new study found that miR-145-5p and miRNA-27b-3p interfere with fat cell formation in children with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a rare and fatal premature aging disorder. These microRNAs silence genes required for fat cell growth and function, suggesting they could be a promising therapeutic strategy to restore fat tissue.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateOct 7, 2025

Scientists reveal long-standing mystery of ENOD40, a pioneering gene in legume nodulation research that marks nodule identity

A long-standing mystery of ENOD40, a pioneering gene in legume nodulation research, has been solved. ENOD40 acts as a natural microRNA sponge to regulate the legume nodulation pathway, enabling nitrogen-fixing nodule formation. The discovery sheds light on a new layer of control in plant-microbe symbiotic relationships.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal article review explores extracellular vesicles in oocyte health and therapies

Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in regulating oocyte maturation, follicular growth, and quality. In pathological conditions, EVs can disrupt communication, leading to impaired oocyte development and ovarian failure. Therapeutic EVs show promise in reversing ovarian pathologies by delivering functional molecules.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 15, 2025

miRNA dysregulation of AGE/RAGE pathway in metabolic syndrome: a novel analysis strategy utilizing miRNA-profiling data

This review systematically maps miRNA-mediated dysregulation of the AGE/RAGE pathway in MetS, revealing widespread but understudied miRNA dysregulation across adipose tissue, liver, and immune cells. Prioritizing poorly studied receptors and multi-pathology miRNAs could accelerate targeted therapies for MetS.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateJul 29, 2025

MicroRNA-124-3p and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat spinal cord injury: Inverse expression pattern

This study investigated the correlation between miR-124-3p expression and BDNF levels in a rat model of spinal cord injury. The findings show a significant downregulation of miR-124-3p and upregulation of BDNF levels following SCI, suggesting a potential regulatory role of miR-124-3p in BDNF expression and SCI pathophysiology.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateMay 27, 2025

Novel blood-based biomarker analysis provides insights to improve therapy decisions and treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic disease

Researchers identified platelets, C-reactive protein, and chromogranin A as markers that can predict the failure of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer treatment. The study also found that miR-375 expression and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio are negative predictors for therapy failure in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2025

Breakthrough provides new hope for patients with knee osteoarthritis

Scientists at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences have identified a circulating microRNA called miR-126-3p as a mechanistic biomarker of knee osteoarthritis. This discovery may lead to the development of blood tests for early detection and therapeutics for slowing or stopping disease progression.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 1, 2025

Test predicts which patients with prostate cancer are most likely to develop long-term side effects from radiation therapy

A UCLA study validates the predictive power of PROSTOX, a genetic test that uses microRNAs to identify patients at higher risk of developing long-lasting urinary side effects from radiation therapy. The test helps doctors and patients choose safer treatment options, reducing the burden of long-term complications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 7, 2025

Could microRNAs help us understand why different birds react differently to being infected with bird flu?

A recent study found that different birds react differently to being infected with bird flu, and microRNAs may play a key role in this variation. The researchers analyzed blood samples from ruddy turnstones and found 163 different forms of microRNA, including two unique to birds.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 18, 2025

Influence of radiotherapy on miRNA dynamics in urine extracellular vesicles

Researchers found that radiotherapy affects the levels of microRNAs in urine extracellular vesicles, making them a promising diagnostic tool for prostate cancer. The study identified specific miRNA ratios with high sensitivity and specificity, showing their potential to evaluate treatment response and track disease progression.

SourceELSP·JournalExRNA·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

University of Cincinnati Cancer Center study identifies potential new target to overcome breast cancer resistance

A University of Cincinnati Cancer Center study identifies microRNA miR-205 as a promising new target to overcome breast cancer treatment resistance and improve outcomes. The research found that boosting levels of miR-205 could block the production of MED1, a protein responsible for treatment resistance, and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCancers·DateJan 7, 2025

Programming cells: Revolutionizing genetic circuits with cutting-edge RNA tools

The team developed a Synthetic Translational Coupling Element (SynTCE) that enhances the precision and integration density of genetic circuits in synthetic biology. This allows for more efficient gene circuit integration, minimizing interference between biological parts and enabling precise control over multiple genes.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 20, 2024

Chung-Ang University researchers unveil the biogenesis and role of transfer RNA fragments in cancer progression

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have identified a crucial role for specific tRNA fragments in cancer progression, revealing their ability to regulate gene expression and influence tumor growth. The study suggests that these fragments could serve as biomarkers for early-stage cancer detection and targets for therapeutic interventions.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024