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Tuning cocaine addiction

Reducing Ago2-dependent microRNA expression reduces cocaine consumption in mice, suggesting a link between genetic regulation and addiction. Further research is needed to determine which microRNAs control cocaine addiction and whether similar pathways operate in humans.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 19, 2010

Scripps Research scientists uncover previously unknown natural mechanism that controls cocaine use

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a specific microRNA that controls cocaine consumption and addiction. MicroRNA-212 was found to be increased in the brains of rats with extended access to cocaine, leading to reduced addictive behavior. This discovery suggests a potential new method for treating cocaine addiction.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 7, 2010

The language of RNA decoded: Study reveals new function for pseudogenes and noncoding RNAs

A new study reveals that thousands of noncoding RNAs have a regulatory role independent of their protein-coding function, communicating with each other to influence cellular microRNAs. This discovery introduces 'competitive endogenous RNAs' and doubles the size of the functional genome, offering new insights into cancer and human disease.

Pitt researchers discover big role for microRNA in lethal lung fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a molecular mechanism for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and usually lethal disease. The study found that microRNA changes contribute to IPF, with let-7d being significantly reduced in affected tissues.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 29, 2010

New tool for RNA silencing

Researchers have created the first class of reagents to potently and selectively inhibit miRNAs in C. elegans, a widely used model organism. The new reagents efficiently and specifically inhibited targeted miRNA in different tissues, including the hypodermis, vulva, and nervous system.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalSilence·DateApr 1, 2010

Key player found for a cancer typical in Down syndrome

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.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 1, 2010

Argonautes: A big turn-off for proteins

Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered how Argonaute protein binds to microRNAs, shutting down protein production. This finding sheds light on the regulation of genes and has implications for treating diseases linked to genetic regulation, such as cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 1, 2010

Tiny RNA has big impact on lung cancer tumors

Researchers from Yale University and Mirna Therapeutics, Inc., used a naturally occurring tumor suppressor microRNA to reverse the growth of lung tumors in mice. The study found that let-7, a type of micro-RNA, reduced tumors by 66% in mice with non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceYale University·JournalOncogene·DateDec 7, 2009

MicroRNAs circulating in blood show promise as biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified four microRNAs that can accurately detect pancreatic cancer and pre-invasive lesions. The study found that these microRNAs are overexpressed in precursor lesions leading to full-blown pancreatic cancer, offering a promising approach for early detection.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateSep 4, 2009

Predicting cancer prognosis

Researchers developed a novel methodology to extract microRNAs from cancer tissues, identifying 17 new and 53 known miRNAs. These miRNAs were well-preserved in long-preserved tissue samples, leading to improved predictions of disease prognosis and treatment response.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 27, 2009

The blossoms of maturity

Researchers at Max Planck Institute find that a decline in microRNA156 concentration triggers flowering in Arabidopsis, allowing plants to bloom even in unfavorable environments. This endogenous mechanism ensures plant survival and prevents delayed flowering.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateAug 20, 2009