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Function and Regulation of MicroRNAs and Their Potential as Biomarkers in Paediatric Liver Disease

Diego A Calvopina1, Miranda A Coleman2, Peter J Lewindon3,4,5

  • 1Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia. Diego.Calvopina@qimrberghofer.edu.au.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 2, 2016
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in liver disease. Circulating miRNAs show promise as diagnostic biomarkers for chronic pediatric liver conditions like biliary atresia and viral hepatitis B.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Hepatology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • They are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases.
  • miRNAs are disease- and tissue-specific and stable in circulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on miRNA biogenesis and function in liver disease.
  • To explore the utility of miRNAs as biomarkers for chronic pediatric liver diseases.
  • To discuss translational repression mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of miRNA biogenesis and function.
  • Analysis of studies investigating miRNAs in chronic liver diseases.
  • Focus on pediatric conditions including cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease, biliary atresia, and viral hepatitis B.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs play critical roles in liver fibrogenesis and disease progression.
  • Circulating miRNAs are stable and exhibit disease specificity.
  • Evidence supports their potential as diagnostic biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs are integral to liver biology and pathology.
  • Circulating miRNAs offer a promising avenue for non-invasive diagnosis of pediatric chronic liver diseases.
  • Further research is warranted to validate their biomarker potential.
Keywords:
childrenchronic liver diseasecirculatory miRNAmicroRNA

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