Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025
CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis
Published on: April 25, 2022
MicroRNA-214 in Health and Disease
Meer M J Amin1, Christopher J Trevelyan1, Neil A Turner1
1Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed, non-coding RNA molecules that mediate the post-transcriptional repression and degradation of mRNAs by targeting their 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR). Thousands of miRNAs have been identified since their first discovery in 1993, and miR-214 was first reported to promote apoptosis in HeLa cells. Presently, miR-214 is implicated in an extensive range of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, bone formation and cell differentiation. MiR-214 has shown pleiotropic roles in contributing to the progression of diseases such as gastric and lung cancers but may also confer cardioprotection against excessive fibrosis and oxidative damage. These contrasting functions are achieved through the diverse cast of miR-214 targets. Through silencing or overexpressing miR-214, the detrimental effects can be attenuated, and the beneficial effects promoted in order to improve health outcomes. Therefore, discovering novel miR-214 targets and understanding how miR-214 is dysregulated in human diseases may eventually lead to miRNA-based therapies. MiR-214 has also shown promise as a diagnostic biomarker in identifying breast cancer and coronary artery disease. This review provides an up-to-date discussion of miR-214 literature by describing relevant roles in health and disease, areas of disagreement, and the future direction of the field.
Insights
MicroRNA-214 (miR-214) plays dual roles in diseases, promoting some cancers while protecting against others. Understanding its targets and dysregulation is key for developing novel miRNA-based therapies and biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- miR-214, identified in 1993, has diverse roles in apoptosis, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, bone formation, and cell differentiation.
- Its functions are context-dependent, mediated by various mRNA targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of miR-214 in human health and disease.
- To discuss current understanding of miR-214 targets and its dysregulation.
- To explore the potential of miR-214 as a therapeutic agent and diagnostic biomarker.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of miR-214 research.
- Analysis of miR-214's involvement in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Discussion of identified miR-214 targets and their mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- miR-214 exhibits pleiotropic effects, promoting gastric and lung cancers but offering cardioprotection.
- Contrasting functions are attributed to its diverse target repertoire.
- miR-214 shows potential as a biomarker for breast cancer and coronary artery disease.
Conclusions:
- Modulating miR-214 activity (silencing or overexpression) can mitigate detrimental effects and enhance beneficial outcomes.
- Further research into novel miR-214 targets and disease-specific dysregulation is crucial for developing miRNA-based therapies.
- miR-214 holds promise for targeted therapeutic strategies and early disease diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
02:15Experimental RNAi
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs