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Updated: Jan 23, 2026
MicroRNA-based Regulation of Picornavirus Tropism
Published on: February 6, 2017
MicroRNAs: Crucial Regulators of Stress
Rabih Roufayel1,2, Seifedine Kadry3
1Department of Science, College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila, Kuwait.
Background:
Signaling pathways including gene silencing, cellular differentiation, homeostasis, development and apoptosis are regulated and controlled by a wide range of miRNAs.
Objective:
Due to their potential binding sites in human-protein coding genes, many studies have also linked their altered expressions in various cancer types making them tumor suppressors agents.
Methods:
Moreover, each miRNA is predicted to have many mRNA targets indicating their extensive regulatory role in cell survival and developmental processes. Nowadays, diagnosis of early cancer stage development is now dependent on variable miRNA expression levels as potential oncogenic biomarkers in validating and targeting microRNAs for cancer therapy.
Results:
As the majority of miRNA, transcripts are derived from RNA polymerase II-directed transcription, stress response could result on a general reduction in the abundance of these transcripts. Over expression of various microRNAs have lead to B cell malignancy, potentiated KrasG12Dinduced lung tumorigenesis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoproliferative disease and autoimmunity.
Conclusion:
Altered miRNA expressions could have a significant impact on the abundance of proteins, making them attractive candidates as biomarkers for cancer detection and important regulators of apoptosis.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate crucial cellular processes and gene expression. Altered miRNA levels are linked to cancer development, highlighting their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of fundamental cellular processes, including gene silencing, differentiation, homeostasis, development, and apoptosis.
- Their extensive regulatory roles stem from predicted interactions with numerous messenger RNA (mRNA) targets, influencing cell survival and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in biological regulation and their implications in cancer.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miRNAs as oncogenic biomarkers and targets in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA regulatory networks involving gene silencing and mRNA targets.
- Investigation of miRNA expression patterns in various cancer types.
- Assessment of miRNA roles in cellular processes and disease pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated as tumor suppressors due to their binding sites in human protein-coding genes.
- Altered miRNA expression is associated with diverse cancers, including B cell malignancy, lung tumorigenesis, and leukemia.
- Stress responses can reduce miRNA transcript abundance, impacting cellular regulation.
Conclusions:
- Altered microRNA (miRNA) expression significantly affects protein levels, positioning them as valuable biomarkers for cancer detection.
- MicroRNAs are critical regulators of apoptosis and hold promise for targeted cancer therapies.
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