Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
06:08
Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay
Published on: September 22, 2023
MicroRNAs, the immune system and rheumatic disease
Esmerina Tili1, Jean-Jacques Michaille, Stefan Costinean
1Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics Department, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Nature Clinical Practice. Rheumatology
|August 30, 2008
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in hematopoietic cells, impacting immune responses and lineage development. Dysregulation of these small RNAs is linked to immune disorders and cancer, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- miRNAs are crucial in hematopoietic cell differentiation and immune responses.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miRNAs in hematopoietic cell development and immune function.
- To explore the link between miRNA deregulation and diseases like autoimmunity and cancer.
- To identify miRNAs as potential targets for immunomodulatory drug development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse models to study miRNA functions in hematopoiesis.
- Analyzed miRNA expression patterns in hematopoietic cells during differentiation and immune responses.
- Examined the consequences of miRNA deregulation in disease models.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are key regulators of hematopoietic lineage establishment.
- miRNA-dependent gene expression is critical for effective immune responses.
- Deregulation of hematopoietic miRNAs leads to immune tolerance defects and malignancies.
- Abnormal miRNA expression is observed in rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a vital role in hematopoietic and immune systems.
- Altered miRNA expression contributes to immune dysregulation and associated diseases.
- miRNAs represent promising targets for developing novel immunomodulatory therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...