Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
06:48
Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Evaluation of MicroRNA Expression in Kidney and Serum of Mice with Age-Dependent Renal Impairment
Published on: April 29, 2022
MicroRNAs in age-related diseases
Stefanie Dimmeler1, Pierluigi Nicotera
1Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre of Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany. dimmeler@em.uni-frankfurt.de
EMBO Molecular Medicine
|January 23, 2013
Summary
Aging accelerates disease risk, but microRNAs (miRNAs) offer potential insights. This review explores how these small RNAs influence age-related cardiovascular and neurological functions.
Area of Science:
- Biogerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Aging increases susceptibility to major diseases, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, cancer, and immune disorders.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally by targeting mRNAs.
- Dysregulation of miRNAs is observed in cellular senescence, aging, and various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microRNAs in age-related cellular and organ function changes.
- To focus specifically on the impact of miRNAs on the cardiovascular and neurological systems during aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating microRNA involvement in aging.
- Analysis of research linking miRNA dysregulation to age-related diseases.
- Focus on cardiovascular and neurological system specific findings.
Main Results:
- Many miRNAs are dysregulated during aging and disease states.
- A limited number of miRNAs have been directly associated with age-related functional decline.
- Specific miRNAs show altered expression patterns impacting cardiovascular and neurological health.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a significant role in the aging process and age-related diseases.
- Further research into specific miRNAs is crucial for understanding and potentially mitigating age-related functional decline in key systems.
- Targeting miRNAs may offer therapeutic strategies for age-related cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
01:22MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:24Microbial Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...