[Research progress of microRNA and its non-viral vector in intervertebral disc degeneration]

Yong Huang1, Ganjun Feng2, Limin Liu1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P.R.China.

Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Non-viral vectors offer a promising, safe, and effective strategy for delivering miRNAs to treat IDD.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical research
  • Molecular biology
  • Regenerative medicine

Background:

  • Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a complex pathological process.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying IDD.
  • Current therapeutic strategies for IDD are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review research progress on miRNA and non-viral vectors in IDD.
  • To evaluate the potential of non-viral vector-mediated miRNA delivery for clinical IDD treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review and analysis.
  • Focused on studies investigating miRNA function in IDD.
  • Examined the efficacy of non-viral delivery systems for miRNA therapeutics.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs regulate gene expression involved in IDD pathogenesis.
  • Non-viral vectors have demonstrated effective miRNA delivery in various disease models.
  • Evidence suggests potential for miRNA-based therapies in degenerated intervertebral discs.

Conclusions:

  • miRNA is integral to the molecular mechanisms of IDD.
  • Non-viral vectors represent a safe and effective gene therapy approach.
  • Non-viral delivery of miRNA holds significant promise for future IDD treatments.

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

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...
4.0K
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
25.2K
Viral Structure00:56

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
74.7K
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
7.5K
Vectors01:30

Vectors

Vectors are mathematical entities characterized by both magnitude and direction. Unlike scalars, which are defined solely by magnitude, vectors represent quantities like displacement, velocity, and force, where direction is essential. Vectors are graphically represented as directed line segments, extending from an initial point to a terminal point, denoted with bold letters or arrows placed above the symbol. Two vectors are deemed equal if they share identical magnitudes and directions,...
505