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MicroRNAs in Liver Health and Disease

Shu-Hao Hsu1, Kalpana Ghoshal

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 420 West 12th Avenue, 606 TMRF Building, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Current Pathobiology Reports
|April 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression. This review covers their role in liver diseases, highlighting their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • miRNAs play crucial roles in cellular processes like differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis.
  • Dysregulated miRNAs are implicated in various pathophysiological conditions, particularly liver diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in identifying deregulated miRNAs in liver diseases.
  • To critically assess the role of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in liver pathobiology.
  • To highlight emerging techniques and clinical trials for miRNA-based therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on miRNA deregulation in liver diseases.
  • Analysis of miRNA roles in obesity, hepatitis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Examination of preclinical and clinical trials for miRNA-based interventions.

Main Results:

  • Identification of specific miRNAs deregulated across a spectrum of liver diseases.
  • Evidence supporting the utility of miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Demonstration of therapeutic potential for miRNA modulation in preclinical models.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs are pivotal in liver pathobiology and represent promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
  • Further research and clinical trials are essential to translate miRNA findings into effective liver disease treatments.
  • Emerging techniques offer new avenues for restoring miRNA homeostasis in liver disorders.
Keywords:
CCFibrosisGene therapyHCCHepatitisHepatocellular carcinomaLiver developmentLiver diseaseMetabolismPathobiologymiRNAmicroRNA

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