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The Role of MicroRNAs in Pancreatitis Development and Progression
Hetvi R Patel1, Vanessa M Diaz Almanzar1, Joseph F LaComb1
1Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
Abstract:
Pancreatitis (acute and chronic) is an inflammatory disease associated with significant morbidity, including a high rate of hospitalization and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRs) are essential post-transcriptional modulators of gene expression. They are crucial in many diseases' development and progression. Recent studies have demonstrated aberrant miRs expression patterns in pancreatic tissues obtained from patients experiencing acute and chronic pancreatitis compared to tissues from unaffected individuals. Increasing evidence showed that miRs regulate multiple aspects of pancreatic acinar biology, such as autophagy, mitophagy, and migration, impact local and systemic inflammation and, thus, are involved in the disease development and progression. Notably, multiple miRs act on pancreatic acinar cells and regulate the transduction of signals between pancreatic acinar cells, pancreatic stellate cells, and immune cells, and provide a complex interaction network between these cells. Importantly, recent studies from various animal models and patients' data combined with advanced detection techniques support their importance in diagnosing and treating pancreatitis. In this review, we plan to provide an up-to-date summary of the role of miRs in the development and progression of pancreatitis.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRs) are key regulators in pancreatitis development. Aberrant miR expression impacts pancreatic cell function and inflammation, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for this severe disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pancreatitis, both acute and chronic, is a severe inflammatory condition with high morbidity and mortality.
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are critical post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression implicated in disease pathogenesis.
- Altered miRs expression is observed in pancreatitis patients, suggesting their involvement in disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of microRNA roles in pancreatitis development and progression.
- To highlight the involvement of miRs in pancreatic acinar cell biology and inter-cellular signaling.
- To discuss the potential of miRs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for pancreatitis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on microRNAs and pancreatitis.
- Analysis of data from animal models and human patients.
- Examination of advanced detection techniques for miRs.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs regulate key pancreatic acinar cell functions like autophagy, mitophagy, and migration.
- MiRs influence local and systemic inflammation, contributing to pancreatitis.
- Complex interactions between pancreatic acinar cells, stellate cells, and immune cells are mediated by miRs.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic pancreatitis.
- MiRs are crucial in regulating pancreatic cell function, inflammation, and cell-cell communication.
- Emerging evidence supports the utility of miRs in pancreatitis diagnosis and treatment strategies.
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Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
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01:22MicroRNAs