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Eating microRNAs: pharmacological opportunities for cross-kingdom regulation and implications in host gene and gut

Lorena Del Pozo-Acebo1, María-Carmen López de Las Hazas1, Abelardo Margollés2,3

  • 1Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)-Food, Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, Madrid, Spain.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|March 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Dietary microRNAs (miRNAs) can survive digestion, especially within extracellular vesicles, potentially regulating host cells. These extracellular miRNAs show promise as therapeutic agents, influencing diet-host-microbiota interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Cross-kingdom communication involves non-coding RNAs, with exogenous microRNAs (exog-miRNAs) entering hosts primarily through diet.
  • Dietary exog-miRNAs are often considered unstable in the gastrointestinal tract but may survive, particularly when encapsulated in extracellular vesicles.
  • These surviving exog-miRNAs could potentially exert regulatory effects within the host's intestines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on dietary miRNAs and their journey within the host.
  • To explore methods for increasing miRNA resistance to food processing and gut conditions.
  • To assess the potential of extracellular miRNAs as therapeutic agents and their role in cross-kingdom regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on dietary miRNAs, extracellular vesicle transport, and biological effects.
  • Critical analysis of data relevant to pharmacological development of dietary miRNAs.
  • Discussion of miRNA-mediated interactions between diet, host, and gut microbiota.

Main Results:

  • Extracellular vesicles can protect dietary miRNAs from degradation during digestion.
  • Dietary miRNAs, particularly those in extracellular vesicles, may reach intestinal cells and exert regulatory functions.
  • Evidence suggests miRNA-mediated cross-kingdom regulation involving diet, host, and gut microbiota.

Conclusions:

  • Extracellular miRNAs from the diet are viable candidates for pharmacological development.
  • Despite challenges, extracellular miRNAs represent a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand and harness the therapeutic potential of dietary extracellular miRNAs.
Keywords:
cross speciescross-kingdomdietdigestionexosomesfood safetymiRNAsncRNA

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