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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile
Published on: June 13, 2016
Role of microRNAs and exosomes in asthma
Maarten van den Berge1, Hataitip Tasena2
1Department of Pulmonary Diseases.
Purpose Of Review:
Numerous signaling pathways and inflammatory responses in cells and tissues are under microRNA (miRNA) control. In the present review, the role of miRNAs and exosomes in the pathogenesis of asthma will be discussed.
Recent Findings:
MiRNAs differentially expressed with asthma, for example, miRNA-34/449, let-7, miRNA-19, miRNA-21, and miRNA-455, were identified in various cell types and tissues including epithelial cells, T cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, lung tissues, and smooth muscles. Current data suggest the involvement of these miRNAs in epithelial differentiation, mucus production, airway remodeling, inflammation, etc. However, it is often difficult to predict which genes are targeted by a specific miRNA. We recently combined genome-wide miRNA analyses together with transcriptome in bronchial biopsies, in relation to chronic mucus hypersecretion, then performed a genome-wide miRNA-mRNA network analysis and identified the key miRNA regulators for chronic mucus hypersecretion.
Summary:
There is now growing evidence suggesting that miRNAs play critically important roles in asthma. Several asthma-associated miRNAs have already been identified. Although miRNAs are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention, a safe and effective delivery to target tissues and cells in humans remains a challenge.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in asthma pathogenesis, influencing inflammation and airway remodeling. Identifying specific miRNA targets is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies against this respiratory disease.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Molecular biology
- Respiratory medicine
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate cellular signaling and inflammatory responses.
- Asthma pathogenesis involves complex cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Exosomes are implicated in intercellular communication relevant to disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of miRNAs and exosomes in asthma pathogenesis.
- To discuss identified asthma-associated miRNAs and their functions.
- To highlight challenges in miRNA-based therapeutic delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on miRNAs in asthma.
- Analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in various asthma-related cell types and tissues.
- Genome-wide miRNA and transcriptome analyses in bronchial biopsies.
- miRNA-mRNA network analysis to identify key regulators.
Main Results:
- Several miRNAs (e.g., miRNA-34/449, let-7, miRNA-19, miRNA-21, miRNA-455) are differentially expressed in asthma.
- These miRNAs are involved in epithelial differentiation, mucus production, airway remodeling, and inflammation.
- Key miRNA regulators for chronic mucus hypersecretion were identified through network analysis.
Conclusions:
- Growing evidence confirms the critical role of miRNAs in asthma.
- Specific miRNAs are potential therapeutic targets for asthma.
- Challenges remain in achieving safe and effective miRNA delivery for human therapies.
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