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miR-155 gene: a typical multifunctional microRNA

Isabella Faraoni1, Francesca Romana Antonetti, John Cardone

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy. faraoni@med.uniroma2.it

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|March 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are vital in human health and disease. MiR-155, a key miRNA, is implicated in immunity, cancer, and viral infections, offering therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Small RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs), are critical regulators of gene expression in plants and animals.
  • miRNAs play significant roles in various physiological and pathological processes in humans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide essential information on miRNA biogenesis.
  • To review recent evidence on the role of miRNAs, particularly miR-155, in human diseases.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and prognostic potential of miR-155 in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of miRNA biogenesis and function.
  • Analysis of experimental data on miR-155 expression and roles.
  • Discussion of therapeutic implications of miR-155 modulation.

Main Results:

  • miR-155 exhibits distinct expression profiles and influences hematopoietic differentiation, immunity, inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • miR-155 is implicated in viral infections, especially those caused by DNA viruses.
  • Overexpression of miR-155 in various cancers suggests its importance in diagnosis and prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • miR-155 is a multifunctional miRNA with critical roles in diverse human diseases.
  • Targeting miR-155 expression offers potential therapeutic strategies for cancer and viral infections.
  • Modulating miR-155 may help manage cardiovascular diseases.

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