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MicroRNAs as Regulators of Phagocytosis

Wojciech Gierlikowski1, Barbara Gierlikowska2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.

Cells
|May 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and impact cell function, making them key players in diseases. This review explores how miRNAs influence phagocytosis, a crucial process in many pathological conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression and cellular functions.
  • Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in various diseases, highlighting their potential as biomarkers.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting miRNAs are under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of microRNA influence on phagocytosis.
  • To explore the diverse mechanisms by which miRNAs modulate phagocytic processes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating microRNA roles in phagocytosis.
  • Analysis of miRNA-mediated regulation at different cellular levels.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs impact phagocytosis through various mechanisms, including macrophage polarization.
  • They influence phagosome maturation, reactive oxygen species production, and cytokine synthesis.
  • These regulatory roles are significant in numerous pathological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are critical regulators of phagocytosis with implications for disease pathogenesis.
  • Understanding miRNA-mediated phagocytosis offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Keywords:
cytokinemacrophagemicroRNAmicrogliaosteoclastphagocytosisphagolysosomephagosomereactive oxygen speciesretinal pigment epithelium

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