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Whole blood RNA profiling of severe COVID-19 cases

A study by Osaka University researchers comprehensively analyzed mRNA and microRNA expression patterns in the blood of patients with severe COVID-19, revealing specific mRNAs and microRNAs associated with the immune response pathway. The findings suggest that interferon-β plays a crucial role in COVID-19 severity.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2022

Study identifies potential targets for treating venous ulcers

A study published in eLife identified three microRNAs that may impair healing in venous ulcers, a common type of chronic wound. The findings suggest that drugs targeting these microRNAs could help facilitate healing in patients, offering new approaches for treating this painful and slow-to-heal condition.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateAug 9, 2022

Moffitt researchers discover DNA copy number alterations lead to changes in RNA circuits that impact melanoma metastasis

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that gains in chromosome 1q stimulate a network of competitive endogenous RNA molecules that promote melanoma metastasis. These RNA sequences act as 'ceRNAs' that sponge miRNA molecules, driving tumor growth and development.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

SLAS Discovery June issue highlights miRNAs, automated electrophysiology platform data and more

The June issue of SLAS Discovery focuses on the role of microRNAs in cancer progression, particularly Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus-derived miRNA K12-1. Researchers have also developed a new software workflow called Screener to automate data analysis from automated patch clamp electrophysiology platforms.

How herpesviruses awaken

Researchers discovered a viral microRNA that induces the reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), linked to impaired heart function and diseases like multiple sclerosis and ME/CFS. The miR-aU14 acts as a master regulator, interfering with cellular signaling pathways to trigger reactivation.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

New sleep molecule discovered: “It shows just how complex the machinery of sleep is”

Researchers have discovered a new sleep molecule, microRNA-137 (miR-137), that regulates hypocretin levels for normal sleep. The study found that miR-137 is associated with hypocretin regulation and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

MU scientist links epigenetic biomarkers to gastrointestinal issues for kids with autism

A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Acceleration of cancer biomarker detection for point of care diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new approach to detect cancer biomarkers in human serum, reducing the detection time from hours to just one minute. This method uses magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticles and photonic resonator absorption microscopy to achieve high selectivity and rapid sample-to-answer analysis.

Peanut studies reveal surprising truths about RNA and open the door to better understanding epigenetic mechanisms in plants

Scientists have discovered a new layer of regulation in plant-microbe interactions using peanut studies. An antisense long-noncoding RNA, DONE40, was found to bind to a protein involved in epigenetic control, suggesting a conserved function across plants and animals.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

How oral cancer acquires radioresistance

A recent study has identified a new mechanism by which oral cancer cells acquire radioresistance through the transfer of microRNA, specifically miR-503-3p. This discovery brings hope for the development of new treatments for radiation-resistant oral cancer.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

COVID-19 testing kits also can measure oral microbiome in saliva

A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 saliva testing kits with a preservative can accurately measure the oral microbiome, which may lead to new treatments for lung health in people with COVID-19. The study collected saliva samples from participants and compared their ability to measure microbes before and after COVID-19 infection.

SourceRutgers University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Compact biosensor microscope built for point of care diagnostics

Researchers developed a compact photonic resonator absorption microscope for point-of-care diagnostics, using photonic crystal biosensors to detect proteins or other biomarkers linked to gold nanoparticles. The portable instrument costs $7,000 and has potential applications in detecting various cancers.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

MicroRNAs may play a role in COVID-19

Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 produces microRNAs affecting individuals' respiratory systems and immune responses. Understanding these impacts may provide new insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateJun 23, 2021

Simple urine test may help early detection of brain tumors

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a simple urine test that can detect brain tumors with high accuracy, using microRNAs as biomarkers. The new device can extract more microRNAs from just a milliliter of urine than conventional methods, and shows promise for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 17, 2021

Exposure to lead can cause epigenetic changes even at relatively low levels

Researchers found that even low levels of lead exposure can cause epigenetic changes, including a decrease in DNA methylation, which may precede cellular disorders. The study suggests that these changes could be an early warning sign of potential health problems, highlighting the need for better public policy to minimize lead exposure.

Study shows how low-protein intake during pregnancy can cause renal problems in offspring

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...

Study finds inflammatory mechanism responsible for bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers discovered a novel pathway linking T-lymphocyte extracellular vesicles loaded with microRNAs to increased osteoclast formation and bone erosion. The study suggests that these extracellular vesicles act as inflammatory mediators, inducing differentiation of osteoclasts via inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2021

A memory without a brain

Researchers have identified how Physarum polycephalum, a single-celled organism, stores and retrieves information about its environment through its network architecture. The slime mold weaves memories of food encounters into the architecture and uses stored information to make future decisions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2021