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Differences between 'marathon mice' and 'couch potato mice' reveal key to muscle fitness

A study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNAs play a crucial role in determining muscle fitness by regulating the switch between slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers. The researchers identified specific microRNAs that are elevated in active people, suggesting a potential new target for interventions to ...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 8, 2013

A smoking gun in lung cancer epigenetics

A recent study reveals that cigarette smoke-induced miRNA expression alterations, specifically the repression of miR-487b, play a crucial role in lung carcinogenesis. Loss of miR-487b increases oncogene expression and enhances tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in both normal and cancer cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 15, 2013

Researchers found that cigarette smoke-induced miRNA alterations promote lung carcinogenesis by repressing miR-487b. Additionally, high levels of ox-CaMKII are linked to increased risk of sudden death after heart attack in diabetic patients, suggesting a potential mechanism for increased mortality.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2013

miR-205 can be responsible for breast cancer

A new study challenges previous views on miR-205's function in breast cancer. Research found that miR-205 is overexpressed in transformed cells and contributes to the abnormal morphology of acini. The findings suggest miR-205 can act as an oncogene, promoting cell growth or inhibiting apoptosis.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOncomiRs·DateDec 21, 2012

'Junk DNA' drives embryonic development

Sanford-Burnham researchers found that two microRNA families, let-7 and miR-18, regulate germ layer formation by dampening the TGFβ signaling pathway. This discovery provides a paradigm for whole-genome screening and its use in identifying molecular signals controlling complex biological processes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 3, 2012

Pint-size microRNAs show promise against weighty problem, researchers say

Scientists at Virginia Tech and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that two mini-molecules called microRNAs can help stem the nation's obesity epidemic. The discovery suggests that treatments targeting these two specific microRNAs may help regulate cellular metabolism and increase energy expenditure, leading to r...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2012

Advantage flu virus

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that the influenza virus reduces immune system-regulating protein production in human cells by activating specific microRNAs. This discovery sheds light on a new mechanism of viral immune evasion and may lead to the development of therapeutics to preserve the immune response.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2012

MiR-122 micromanages liver function

A recent study found that miR-122 is involved in modulating fat and cholesterol metabolism in the liver. Additionally, it may have a tumor suppressive function in hepatocytes, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecule's role in liver homeostasis has also been highlighted.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 23, 2012

Biosignatures distinguish between tuberculosis and sarcoidosis

Researchers have identified biosignatures for tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, but a single signature is insufficient to distinguish between the two diseases. A combination of markers is required to accurately diagnose a specific disease, enabling doctors to distinguish between different diseases with similar clinical appearances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2012

Doubling the information from the double helix

A new group of regulatory molecules called mirror-microRNAs has been discovered to control multiple aspects of brain function. These microRNA genes are produced from the same piece of DNA but have different functions in regulating protein production and movement, doubling the capacity of regulation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2012

Making memories: How 1 protein does it

Researchers found that BDNF uses microRNA to target the production of specific proteins involved in learning and memory, and that increasing these microRNAs can halt protein production. The study sheds light on how memories are made and offers hope for treating mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 5, 2012