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MicroRNAs are digested, not absorbed

A recent study has found that microRNAs, previously thought to be digested and absorbed by the body, are actually broken down in the small intestine, rendering them ineffective for modifying physiological functions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2015

Hope for patients with chronic wounds

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNA-132 plays a critical role in regulating the transition from inflammation to proliferation during wound healing. The researchers identified miR-132 as a therapeutic target for promoting healing and developing new treatments for chronic skin wounds.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2015

NYU researchers find 'decoder ring' powers in micro RNA

Researchers at NYU have found that microRNA can serve as a decoder ring to understand complex biological processes, highlighting the potential for miRNA to shed light on diseases such as coronary artery disease and cleft palates. By analyzing miR-200, the team identified a trio of glycans critical to cell movement and tumor metastasis.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2015

New biotechnology for high efficiency purification of live human cells

Researchers have developed a new technology that uses synthetic microRNA switches to purify live human cells with improved efficiency. The method, which involves identifying unique miRNAs for each cell type, shows promise for clinical applications and could lead to more homogeneous cell pools and better cell therapy outcomes.

The life and death of beta cells

In a study published in ETH Zurich, researchers discovered that the microRNA-200 family triggers the death of beta cells, leading to type 2 diabetes. By blocking miR-200 production, scientists can guarantee the survival of these vital cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments for diabetes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

How the tumor microenvironment contributes to drug-resistant neuroblastoma

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that exosomic miRNAs released within the tumor environment affect resistance to chemotherapy in neuroblastoma. The exchange of specific microRNA called MiR155 between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages leads to increased telomerase activity and resistance to chemotherapy.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 13, 2015

A standard operation procedure to effectively detect dietetically absorbed plant miRNAs

Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a standard operation procedure to detect dietetically absorbed plant miRNAs in human plasma. The study identified six plant miRNAs with dynamic physiological patterns and kinetic absorption curves, suggesting they can exert physiological functions.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateFeb 21, 2015

MicroRNAs can limit cancer spread

Researchers discovered clusters of gene-blocking microRNAs expressed only in oligometastatic cells, which can shut down specific genes involved in metastasis. These findings suggest microRNAs could provide a personalized biomarker to predict tumor aggressiveness and guide effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateFeb 3, 2015

Scientists identify important mechanism involved in production of mosquito eggs

Researchers at UC Riverside have identified microRNA-8 as a crucial regulator of mosquito reproduction, which plays an essential role in the female mosquito's 'fat body'. Depletion of miR-8 results in severe defects in egg development and deposition, highlighting its potential as a novel control strategy for mosquito populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015

To wilt or not to wilt

UC Riverside researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism for resistance and susceptibility to Fusarium oxysporum, a common fungus causing wilt in tomato plants. The study reveals that microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with specific targets contributing to resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 23, 2014