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MicroRNA-29: a potential therapeutic target for systemic sclerosis
Wen-Jia Peng1, Jin-Hui Tao, Bin Mei
1Anhui Medical University, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
Introduction:
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown cause characterized by microvasculopathy, fibroblast activation, and excessive production of collagen, causing tissue and organ damage. Effective medical treatment for SSc is lacking because the etiology and pathogenesis of SSc are not fully understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, regulatory, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs that negatively modulate gene expression by either promoting the degradation of mRNA or down-regulating the protein production by translational repression. Among them, miRNA-29 is recently discovered as a class of miRNAs which is related to fibrotic disease. Numerous evidences have confirmed that miRNA-29 involved in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulated organ fibrosis. These findings revealed a potential and appealing role for miRNA-29 as SSc therapeutic targets.
Areas Covered:
This review provides a comprehensive view on the biogenesis and functions of miRNAs. We also discuss the aberrant expression of miRNA-29 in SSc, and summarize current understanding of miRNA-29 involved in the process of fibrosis. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNA-29 in SSc.
Expert Opinion:
Although the exact pathogenesis of SSc still remains to be clarified, Targeting miRNA-29 may serve as a promising therapy strategy.
Insights
Targeting microRNAs (miRNAs), specifically miRNA-29, shows promise for treating systemic sclerosis (SSc). This approach addresses the disease
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology, characterized by fibrosis and organ damage.
- Current treatments for SSc are limited due to incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, with miRNA-29 implicated in fibrotic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biogenesis and function of miRNAs.
- To examine the role of miRNA-29 in SSc pathogenesis and fibrosis.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNA-29 in SSc.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on miRNA biogenesis and function.
- Analysis of aberrant miRNA-29 expression in SSc.
- Summary of current research on miRNA-29's role in fibrosis.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting miRNA-29.
Main Results:
- miRNA-29 is involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) production and organ fibrosis.
- Aberrant expression of miRNA-29 is observed in SSc.
- miRNA-29 plays a significant role in the fibrotic processes within SSc.
Conclusions:
- Targeting miRNA-29 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for SSc.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate SSc pathogenesis and optimize miRNA-29-based therapies.
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