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Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
08:40

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library

Published on: April 6, 2012

MicroRNA-21: a ubiquitously expressed pro-survival factor in cancer and other diseases

Si Li1, Zhu Liang, Liu Xu

  • 1Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|September 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are vital in biological processes. This review highlights miRNA-21

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • They are crucial in biological processes like cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of miRNA-21 in cancer.
  • To explore the involvement of miRNA-21 in cardiovascular diseases.
  • To discuss the potential clinical applications of miRNA-21 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on miRNA-21.
  • Analysis of miRNA-21's regulatory targets and pathways.
  • Synthesis of findings on miRNA-21's role in disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • miRNA-21 is significantly upregulated in diverse cancer types.
  • It influences key cancer processes: initiation, transformation, invasion, and metastasis.
  • miRNA-21 acts as a pro-survival factor in cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions:

  • miRNA-21 plays complex, critical roles in both cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Its dysregulation suggests potential as a biomarker for disease diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Further research may unlock miRNA-21's therapeutic potential in clinical settings.

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