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A firmer understanding of muscle fibrosis

Researchers discovered that increased production of microRNA miR-21 stimulates progressive muscle deterioration in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Inhibiting miR-21 reduced collagen levels and prevented fibrogenesis in diseased animals, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 2, 2012

No brakes on breast cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a microRNA, miR-520, that suppresses NFkappaB and TGF-b signaling pathways in breast cancer cells. This finding suggests that miR-520 may act as a tumor suppressor and could lead to new treatment options for ER-negative breast cancer.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalOncogene·DateDec 16, 2011

MU researchers unveil new method for detecting lung cancer in Nature article

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a nanotechnology sensor that can detect lung cancer in blood plasma with high sensitivity and selectivity. This technology could provide an earlier warning signal, potentially saving lives. The sensor detects changes in a specific microRNA molecule associated with lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 15, 2011

Small molecules shed light on cancer therapies

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified 25 microRNAs associated with glioblastoma survival and discovered 20 new microRNAs linked to initiation or growth of other cancer types. These findings suggest common pathways that can be targeted with similar drugs, offering hope for improved treatment options.

Researchers find that inhibiting microRNAs may help prevent degenerative eye disorders

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2011

New data published in Nature Genetics demonstrate that tiny LNA-based compounds developed by Santaris Pharma A/S inhibit entire disease-associated microRNA families

Tiny LNA-based compounds developed by Santaris Pharma A/S successfully inhibit entire microRNA families, targeting cancer, viral infections, and cardiovascular diseases. The high affinity and target specificity of these compounds enable functional inhibition without off-target effects.

SourceEdelman PR·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 20, 2011

Research uncovers key to understanding cause of lupus

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals a common set of dysregulated miRNAs in murine lupus models, which may lead to the development of molecular markers for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. The findings could ultimately improve the treatment and management of autoimmune diseases like lupus.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 1, 2011

Diving deeper into the gene pool

Tel Aviv University researchers developed miRNAkey software to analyze microRNA patterns in healthy and diseased tissues, improving understanding of human diseases at a genetic level. The software enables scientists to identify relevant microRNAs, determine their levels, and generate statistically valuable information.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBioinformatics·DateSep 27, 2010