MicroRNA-small molecule association identification: from experimental results to computational models

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Small molecules are organic compounds with diverse biological functions, influencing protein interactions and cellular processes.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators in cellular biology, presenting therapeutic and diagnostic potential.
• Targeting miRNAs with small molecules is a promising strategy, supported by successful screening of compound libraries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental concepts and functions of small molecules and miRNAs.
• To detail five key aspects of miRNA functions with specific examples.
• To summarize four disease states associated with miRNA alterations and introduce relevant small molecules targeting specific miRNAs (miR-21, 122, 4644, 27).

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental techniques for identifying small molecule-miRNA inhibitors.
• Discussion of computational models for predicting small molecule-miRNA associations.
• Exploration of publicly accessible databases and web servers for small molecule-miRNA interactions.

Main Results:

• Small molecules can modulate miRNA functions, impacting disease states.
• Various experimental and computational approaches exist for identifying small molecule-miRNA associations.
• Databases and web servers facilitate the exploration of known and potential small molecule-miRNA interactions.

Conclusions:

• Identifying small molecule-miRNA interactions is a significant area of biomedical research.
• Existing methods for identification have limitations, necessitating further development.
• Future research should focus on advancing computational models for predicting small molecule-miRNA associations.