Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
10:37
Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
9.3K
MicroRNAs: New therapeutic targets for intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Lin Zhang1, Jian Cheng1, Xiao-Ming Fan1
1Lin Zhang, Jian Cheng, Xiao-Ming Fan, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 11, 2014
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of intestinal barrier function. This review explores their role in intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Intestinal barrier dysfunction, marked by increased intestinal permeability, is linked to inflammation and diseases like IBD, celiac disease, and IBS.
- Understanding inflammatory responses and regulatory systems is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research on microRNAs (miRNAs) and their role in regulating intestinal barrier dysfunction.
- To highlight the significance of miRNAs in immune responses and their specific involvement in IBD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature focusing on miRNAs and intestinal barrier function.
- Analysis of studies investigating miRNA-mediated gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Emerging evidence indicates miRNAs play a critical role in immune responses and are implicated in various immune-related disorders.
- Specific focus on the function of miRNAs in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and their dysregulation in IBD.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are pivotal in regulating intestinal barrier function and immune homeostasis.
- Further research into miRNA mechanisms offers potential for novel therapeutic targets for intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammatory diseases like IBD.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
1.8K
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
1.8K
01:24Microbial Corrosion
90
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...
90
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
2.7K
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
2.7K
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
29
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
29
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
1.8K
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
1.8K
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
780
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
780