Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study reveals a new potential mechanism underlying loss of muscle mass during menopause

A new study found that estrogen deficiency during menopause leads to altered microRNA signalling in skeletal muscle, potentially activating cell death pathways and resulting in muscle wasting. The study suggests resistance training may be beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and power in middle-aged women.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalExperimental Gerontology·DateFeb 18, 2021

Researchers discover promising biomarkers to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has identified two potential biomarkers, miR-9a-3p and miR-136-3p, which could serve as diagnostic biomarkers for mild traumatic brain injury. These microRNAs were found to be elevated in both animal models and human patients, suggesting their potential use in diagnosing the condition....

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Smart virus

Researchers at HSE University have discovered microRNA molecules that can bind to coronavirus genomes, slowing down their replication and potentially allowing the virus to delay an active immune response. The study found four families of human miRNAs with binding sites for all seven types of human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

Protein influences regeneration of vascular cells

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a protein that influences cell communication in vascular cells. The study found that an RNA-binding protein acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the release of microRNAs that promote regeneration. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating diseases like arteriosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateAug 19, 2020

Moffitt identifies novel therapeutic targets in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center identified potential therapeutic targets for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by studying the activity of protein TAp63 and microRNAs. The study found that miR-30c-2* and miR-497, which are normally expressed in normal skin, are underexpressed in cuSCC tumors and inhibit growth when reintroduced.

Cancer diagnostics

A team of scientists has developed a cancer diagnostics method that amplifies microRNA in live tumor cells using synthetic DNA and nanoparticles. This allows for the detection of tumor cells with high sensitivity, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 16, 2020

Obesity embargo alert for March 2020

The Obesity Society's latest research explores the pathophysiology of obesity, therapeutic goals, and differential risk. A new coding system is proposed to address suboptimal efforts in prevention and treatment, offering a personalized approach to care.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateFeb 24, 2020

A novel pathway to target colorectal cancer

A new study published in Gastroenterology reports that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes metastasis of colorectal cancer through the microRNA MIR675-5p, which silences the expression of p53. Researchers found that mice treated with PGE2 had increased metastases compared to controls, and tumor cells expressed more MIR675-5p and less p53.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 26, 2019

Using gene scissors to detect diseases

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has created a microfluidic chip that recognizes small RNA fragments, enabling faster and more precise disease diagnosis. The CRISPR biosensor can detect increased levels of miRNA in blood samples from patients with brain tumors.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 25, 2019

MicroRNA comprehensively analyzed

Researchers from MIPT explored microRNA interactions with mRNA in two human cell lines, finding that microRNA does not strongly regulate all genes and its regulation potential does not directly depend on its expression level. The study also identified differences between microRNA interactions in the two cell lines.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateNov 14, 2019

New RNA molecules may play a role in aging

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used a new sequencing method to identify a sea of previously invisible RNA molecules that may play a role in aging processes. The study found that these cyclic-phosphate containing RNAs (cP-RNAs) are abundantly expressed throughout the body and change in number as tissues age.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 13, 2019