microRNA: a master regulator of cellular processes for bioengineering systems

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
• miRNAs bind to messenger RNAs (mRNAs), inhibiting translation and impacting approximately one-third of mammalian genes.
• Despite their small proportion in the genome, miRNAs play a crucial role in fine-tuning gene regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an up-to-date overview of miRNA-mediated gene regulation.
• To highlight bioengineering tools and strategies for miRNA research.
• To discuss potential applications of miRNAs in biomedical engineering.

Main Methods:

• Review of bioinformatics databases, tools, and algorithms for miRNA and target gene prediction.
• Integration of in silico approaches with experimental studies in systems biology.
• Exploration of bioengineering perspectives on miRNA research.

Main Results:

• Summary of current methodologies for studying miRNA function.
• Identification of various bioinformatics tools for sequence prediction.
• Overview of emerging applications like antagomirs and miRNA sponges.

Conclusions:

• miRNA research offers novel bioengineering approaches to understand gene regulation.
• Advanced tools and strategies are crucial for effective miRNA study.
• miRNAs hold significant promise for future biomedical engineering applications.