Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
09:53
In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge
Published on: June 15, 2018
8.0K
MicroRNA biology and pain
Marguerite K McDonald1, Seena K Ajit1
1Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
|March 7, 2015
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are implicated in pain processing. Research into these small noncoding RNAs offers potential for novel pain biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally.
- miRNA-mRNA interactions allow fine-tuning of cellular responses to signaling events.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to disease states and cellular dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of miRNAs in pain processing.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers for pain.
- To investigate miRNAs as therapeutic targets for pain disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on miRNA research in pain.
- Analysis of miRNA involvement in pain pathways.
- Discussion of challenges and future directions in miRNA-based pain research.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are implicated in mediating various aspects of pain processing in both animal models and human patients.
- Stable miRNAs in circulation show promise as noninvasive pain biomarkers.
- Targeting specific miRNAs could offer therapeutic strategies for pain management.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs represent a significant, yet largely unexplored, area in pain biology.
- Further research into miRNA mechanisms can yield valuable insights into pain pathways.
- miRNAs hold promise for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pain.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
4.4K
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...
4.4K
01:22MicroRNAs
24.9K
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...
24.9K
01:22MicroRNAs
12.1K
12.1K
01:44Nociception
35.0K
Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
35.0K
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
3.2K
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
3.2K
02:15Experimental RNAi
8.4K
RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
8.4K