A $3 million NIH grant will help scientists at Jefferson Medical College study variations in platelet function, specifically the genetics of platelet gene expression. The goal is to identify biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular disease risk and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers discovered that microRNAs primarily disable mRNA templates to control protein production. This allows for easier study of gene targets through mRNA levels rather than protein levels.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have discovered an RNA sequence that promotes increased numbers of specific microRNAs, which regulate cell growth and stress response. This finding provides new insights into the links between miRNA expression and disease, including heart disease and cancer.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital identified a microRNA molecule that increases the number of hematopoietic stem cells, which can give rise to all blood and immune system cells. This discovery may lead to improved cancer treatment by expanding stem cell populations.
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 found a small piece of RNA that blocks glutamine production in the colon, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Silencing this RNA segment may open up a new approach to treating IBS symptoms.
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 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.
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.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a molecular pathway responsible for the death of key nerve cells whose loss causes Parkinson's disease. The study found that a genetic mutation linked to Parkinson's causes impaired activity of microRNAs, leading to premature cell death.
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.
A Michigan State University researcher is using $1.7 million in federal funding to study the role of microRNAs in regulating genes that control cell behavior. The goal is to determine how arsenic exposure leads to tumor development and identify potential treatments.
A team of scientists reveals that microRNAs (miRNAs) can be secretly packaged by cells and delivered to target cells, regulating their functions. This discovery expands our understanding of miRNA's role in mediating intercellular/interorgan communication.
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.
Researchers at CSHL discovered new modes of mRNA regulation involving Ago2 and Drosha proteins, highlighting a previously unappreciated complexity in gene expression control. The study found that mRNAs can be targeted for destruction by multiple molecules, expanding our understanding of post-transcriptional events.
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.
Researchers at Nanjing University have identified a novel biomarker for raw milk quality detection, enabling more accurate monitoring of milk content. The discovery could lead to the development of new milk products tailored to specific groups, offering improved health benefits.
Researchers used microsequencing technology to identify various microRNAs in mouse immune cells, revealing their role in regulating protein levels. The study provides a map to the complexity of cellular protein regulation and offers insights into how miRNAs contribute to host defense mechanisms.
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.
A new study reveals that cancer cells' miRNA networks are rewired and fragmented, with small clusters of two to six miRNAs existing outside the main network. This finding suggests a new approach to identifying cancer genes and targets for drug development.
Researchers analyzed genetic networks of microRNAs in tumors to understand how interactions go awry in disease. The study found that normal network interactions have become disrupted or rewired in cancer, contributing to disease progression.
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.
Researchers have uncovered a new pathway of microRNA generation, revealing why Argonaute2 proteins are necessary in mammals. This alternative route bypasses the Dicer enzyme, allowing Ago2 to directly mature and regulate genes.
Researchers identified 158 human genes targeted by herpesvirus miRNAs, which regulate host gene expression and evade the immune system. The study provides insights into viral miRNA functions and suggests potential targets for innovative antiviral agents.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have discovered a complex sequence of events that create distinction between protoxylem and metaxylem cells. MicroRNA 165/6 moves out from its source cells to dissolve target messenger RNAs, leading to specific cell types developing in plants.
Researchers discovered that microRNAs can move between cells, conveying information and regulating tissue development in plants and animals. This finding has implications for understanding developmental disorders and potential applications in medicine.
Researchers have discovered that microRNAs can move from one cell to another, influencing the development of plant tissues. This mobility allows them to regulate gene expression and play an important role in sharpening the boundaries between different plant tissues.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona discover that microRNAs regulate Myc protein levels through the molecule Mei-P26, providing new insights into cancer development. The study found that miRNAs affect Myc expression in Drosophila, suggesting a finely tuned mechanism to maintain optimal levels of both.
Researchers found that MiRNA-21 interferes with trastuzumab (Herceptin) therapy by blocking the PTEN gene, leading to tumor suppressor loss and increased resistance to the drug. Overexpression of miRNA-21 was correlated with poor patient response to Herceptin and disease progression in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
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.
A team of scientists, including UH biologist Preethi Gunaratne, uncovered the genome of the zebra finch, which may help people with speech impairments and learning disabilities. The study found that microRNAs play a crucial role in song learning and memory in zebra finches.
A recent study suggests that a deficiency of protein in the brain may contribute to cognitive impairment and congenital heart defects in Down syndrome patients. Researchers found lower levels of the protein in brains with Down syndrome compared to healthy controls, and an experimental drug increased its production.
Researchers developed a new approach to quantify the influence of microRNAs on protein production, discovering that a single microRNA can regulate hundreds of proteins.
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.
Scientists are studying microRNAs as potential therapeutics for a range of applications due to their role in various cellular processes. Investigations have shed light on the role of miRNAs in cancer, particularly in controlling developmental events and cell growth.
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 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 found that microRNAs play a weak role in regulating mRNA stability in mouse oocytes lacking the Dicer enzyme. This suggests that reducing miRNA activity may be essential for oocyte-to-zygote transition, contributing to mRNA accumulation and stability.
Scientists found conserved microRNAs in animals as diverse as sea anemones, worms, and humans, suggesting an early origin of these tissues in animal evolution. The discovery opens new avenues for studying the current functions of specific microRNAs.
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.
The study identified specific binding sites of microRNAs in C. elegans, providing a wealth of data for understanding miRNA regulation in development and disease. This breakthrough enables researchers to identify individual miRNA targets in various tissues and cell types.
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.
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.
Researchers identify specific DNA segment C19MC containing miRNA genes associated with aggressive CNS-PNET tumors. High expression of these miRNAs stimulates growth and prevents normal neural stem cell development.
A study published in Science reveals that SPC3649 successfully inhibits miR-122, a microRNA important for hepatitis C viral replication, significantly reducing the virus in the bloodstream and liver of chimpanzees chronically infected with HCV. The therapy's unique mechanism of action sets it apart from direct antiviral treatments.
Scientists at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that tiny molecules called miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating our internal clock. This finding has significant implications for treating sleep deprivation and other disorders related to the daily life cycle.
A new cause of osteoporosis has been identified: a mutation in the miR-2861 precursor that blocks expression of this crucial microRNA. This microRNA promotes bone formation and its absence is linked to primary osteoporosis in humans.
Researchers identified microRNA-mediated suppression of tumor metastasis in breast cancer, highlighting three key miR-31 targets. These targets regulate metastatic colonization, a critical step in the metastasis process.
Researchers at UCSF have identified microRNA collections that affect distinct processes critical for cancer progression. By analyzing these 'signatures', the team found a link between deregulated microRNAs and processes like hyperproliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
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.
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.
Researchers at UCLA have confirmed the effectiveness of measuring microRNAs in saliva to detect oral squamous cell carcinoma. The study identifies two specific microRNAs, miR-125a and miR-200a, that are present at significantly different levels in the saliva of individuals with oral cancer.
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.
Researchers have discovered that two microRNAs, miR-143 and miR-145, control the differentiation and growth of vascular smooth muscle cells. These findings suggest that targeting these microRNAs may be a potential treatment for diseases such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Gladstone Institute discovered a key switch, microRNA-145 (miR-145), to turn stem cells into muscle cells that reside in blood vessel walls. This finding suggests restoring miR-145 activity could prevent artery narrowing and vessel disease.
Researchers discovered that microRNA miR29 suppresses HIV replication by transporting mRNA to processing-bodies where it is stored or destroyed, reducing viral infectivity. Inhibition of miR29 enhances viral replication and infectivity.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens has uncovered clues to the development of cancers in AIDS patients, revealing specific miRNA biomarkers that accurately identify stages of tumor progression. The research team also found that certain miRNAs were lost as tumors progressed, accelerating cancer growth.
A novel method has been developed to analyze microRNA expression levels, enabling more accurate detection of subtle biological changes. The new approach outperforms existing methods in reducing technical variation and accurately representing input RNA fluctuations.
Researchers discovered that delivering a small molecule that is highly expressed in normal tissues but lost in diseased cells can result in tumor suppression. The study employed a novel strategy to treat hepatocellular (liver) cancer, using microRNAs (miRNA) gene delivery via a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV).
Scientists have found that replacing microRNAs in liver cancer cells can be lethal, while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The study used a special delivery virus to introduce the microRNA into mice with liver cancer, resulting in rapid death of tumor cells.