Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
06:34
A Bioinformatics Pipeline to Accurately and Efficiently Analyze the MicroRNA Transcriptomes in Plants
Published on: January 21, 2020
8.9K
Bioavailability of transgenic microRNAs in genetically modified plants.
Jian Yang1, Cecilia Primo1, Ismail Elbaz-Younes1
11USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1100 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030 USA.
Genes & Nutrition
|March 7, 2018
Summary
Transgenic microRNAs (miRNAs) in crops show digestive stability but are not bioavailable in the bloodstream. Novel engineering strategies are needed to enhance miRNA bioavailability for dietary therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Agrobiotechnology
- Plant molecular biology
- Dietary therapeutics
Background:
- Transgenic small RNA expression enhances plant foods.
- Transgenic microRNAs (miRNAs) show potential as dietary therapeutics.
- Concerns exist regarding the bioavailability and safety of transgenic miRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the bioavailability of transgenic miRNAs in genetically modified crops.
- Compare digestive stability and serum bioavailability of transgenic miRNAs and a known plant miRNA (MIR2911).
Main Methods:
- Utilized two transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing unique miRNAs.
- Assessed digestive stability in vitro and in vivo.
- Measured miRNA levels in mouse bloodstream after dietary consumption.
Main Results:
- Transgenic miRNAs and MIR2911 exhibited comparable expression levels and digestive stability.
- MIR2911 was detected in the bloodstream of mice fed transgenic Arabidopsis.
- No detectable levels of the specific transgenic miRNAs were found in mouse serum.
Conclusions:
- Digestive stability and high expression do not guarantee miRNA bioavailability.
- Current transgenic food platforms may require novel engineering for effective miRNA delivery.
- Further research is needed to enhance miRNA bioavailability for therapeutic applications.
Related Concept Videos
02:50Transgenic Plants
8.7K
Recombinant DNA technology called transgenesis is often used to add a foreign gene or remove a detrimental gene from an organism. Such genetically modified organisms are called transgenic organisms.
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
8.7K
01:22MicroRNAs
24.3K
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...
24.3K
01:22MicroRNAs
4.1K
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...
4.1K
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Bioavailability
2
Modified-release (MR) dosage forms are designed to extend drug release over time, thereby maintaining stable plasma concentrations and reducing dosing frequency. However, their bioavailability is typically below 100% due to incomplete drug release and presystemic metabolism, and limitations in drug permeability across the gastrointestinal epithelium, all of which can restrict the fraction of the drug reaching systemic circulation. Consequently, studying the in vivo bioavailability of MR...
2
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
47.5K
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
47.5K
00:53Transgenic Organisms
33.7K
Overview
33.7K