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MicroRNAs in Human Diseases: From Autoimmune Diseases to Skin, Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases
1Department of Immunology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Chonju 561-180, Korea.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression via degradation or translational repression of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Recent studies have clearly demonstrated that miRNAs play critical roles in several biologic processes, including cell cycle, differentiation, cell development, cell growth, and apoptosis and that miRNAs are highly expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells and a wide range of miRNAs are involved in the regulation of immunity and in the prevention of autoimmunity. It has been increasingly reported that miRNAs are associated with various human diseases like autoimmune disease, skin disease, neurological disease and psychiatric disease. Recently, the identification of mi- RNAs in skin has added a new dimension in the regulatory network and attracted significant interest in this novel layer of gene regulation. Although miRNA research in the field of dermatology is still relatively new, miRNAs have been the subject of much dermatological interest in skin morphogenesis and in regulating angiogenesis. In addition, miRNAs are moving rapidly onto center stage as key regulators of neuronal development and function in addition to important contributions to neurodegenerative disorder. Moreover, there is now compelling evidence that dysregulation of miRNA networks is implicated in the development and onset of human neruodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Tourette's syndrome, Down syndrome, depression and schizophrenia. In this review, I briefly summarize the current studies about the roles of miRNAs in various autoimmune diseases, skin diseases, psychoneurological disorders and mental stress.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are crucial in immunity and development. Dysregulation of these small RNAs is linked to autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, and neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by degrading or repressing target mRNAs.
- miRNAs are vital in biological processes like cell cycle, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune regulation, particularly in regulatory T (Treg) cells.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is associated with various human diseases, including autoimmune, skin, neurological, and psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of microRNA roles in human diseases.
- To highlight the significance of miRNAs in dermatology and neurodegenerative disorders.
- To summarize research on miRNA involvement in autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, psychoneurological disorders, and mental stress.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on microRNA function and disease association.
- Synthesis of findings related to miRNA involvement in skin morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and neuronal development.
- Compilation of evidence linking miRNA dysregulation to specific diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are key regulators in immunity, autoimmunity, and skin biology, including morphogenesis and angiogenesis.
- miRNA networks are critical for neuronal development and function, with their dysregulation implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Evidence strongly suggests miRNA involvement in the pathogenesis of diverse conditions from autoimmune and skin diseases to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs represent a novel layer of gene regulation with significant implications across multiple biological systems.
- Understanding miRNA networks is crucial for unraveling disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.
- Further research into miRNAs in dermatology and neurology holds promise for advancing diagnostics and treatments for complex diseases.
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