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microRNA inhibitors: Natural and artificial sequestration of microRNA

Li Tang1, Hong-Yan Chen1, Ning-Bo Hao1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.

Cancer Letters
|June 13, 2017
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA (miRNA) inhibitors, including competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and artificial transcripts, regulate miRNA activity. This review summarizes advances in these two key types of miRNA inhibitors for research and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression.
  • miRNA activity is modulated by various regulatory mechanisms.
  • miRNA inhibitors, both natural and artificial, play a crucial role in controlling miRNA function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in natural and artificial miRNA inhibitors.
  • To highlight the role of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in miRNA regulation.
  • To discuss the applications of artificial miRNA inhibitors in research and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on miRNA inhibitors.
  • Analysis of mechanisms of action for ceRNAs and artificial inhibitors.
  • Synthesis of information on pathophysiological roles and therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

  • ceRNAs function as natural miRNA inhibitors by sequestering miRNAs.
  • ceRNA crosstalk is implicated in various pathophysiological processes.
  • Artificial miRNA inhibitors offer tools for miRNA loss-of-function studies and gene therapy.

Conclusions:

  • miRNA inhibitors represent a significant area of research with therapeutic implications.
  • Understanding ceRNA networks provides new insights into miRNA regulatory pathways.
  • Artificial miRNA inhibitors hold promise for future gene-based medical treatments.
Keywords:
Anti-miRNA oligonucleotideCircular RNACompeting endogenous RNAGene therapyNanoparticlemiRNA sponge

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