Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
06:53
A Simple Alternative to Stereotactic Injection for Brain Specific Knockdown of miRNA
Published on: December 26, 2015
12.7K
miRNA as Drug: Antagomir and Beyond
Roberto Cannataro1,2,3, Erika Cione1,2
1Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|February 21, 2023
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules found in body fluids. Future research may unlock their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents for various diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules, 20-25 nucleotides in length.
- These molecules are ubiquitously present in all human body fluids.
- miRNAs play crucial roles in gene regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers.
- To investigate the therapeutic applications of miRNAs in replacing missing proteins or downregulating aberrant synthesis.
- To provide insights into future research directions in the field of miRNA therapeutics and diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing research on miRNA functions.
- Exploration of current and emerging techniques for miRNA detection and quantification.
- Discussion of preclinical and clinical studies investigating miRNA-based therapies.
Main Results:
- miRNAs demonstrate significant potential as biomarkers for various conditions due to their stability in body fluids.
- miRNA-based therapies offer a promising approach to modulate gene expression for therapeutic benefit.
- The field requires further investigation to fully realize the clinical utility of miRNAs.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs represent a versatile class of molecules with dual roles as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
- Continued research is essential to translate the potential of miRNAs into clinical practice.
- This field holds exciting prospects for advancing personalized medicine and disease management.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Drug-Receptor Interaction: Agonist
2.6K
Agonists are drugs that interact with specific receptors in the body to produce a biological response. When an agonist binds to a receptor, it activates or enhances the receptor's function, leading to physiological effects. The interaction between agonist drugs and receptors is crucial for their therapeutic action in various medical treatments.
Agonists can bind to receptors in different ways. Some agonists bind directly to the receptor's active site, mimicking the endogenous...
Agonists can bind to receptors in different ways. Some agonists bind directly to the receptor's active site, mimicking the endogenous...
2.6K
01:22MicroRNAs
21.5K
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
21.5K
01:28Drug-Receptor Interaction: Antagonist
3.1K
An antagonist is a drug that binds strongly to a receptor without activating it. An antagonist prevents other molecules, such as neurotransmitters or hormones, from binding to the receptor and triggering a cellular response. Such interaction effectively hinders the normal physiological processes mediated by the receptor, resulting in various pharmacological effects depending on the specific receptor targeted.
Antagonists can be classified as competitive or noncompetitive based on their...
Antagonists can be classified as competitive or noncompetitive based on their...
3.1K
01:26Targets for Drug Action: Overview
6.8K
Drugs target macromolecules to modify ongoing cellular processes. Primary drug targets include receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes.
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
6.8K
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
16.9K
Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
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...
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...
16.9K
01:30Combined Effects of Drugs: Antagonism
8.9K
The combined effects of drugs can result in various interactions, of which an important type is antagonism. Antagonism is a mechanism where one drug inhibits or counteracts the effects of another drug. Antagonism can occur through various means, including receptor binding, allosteric modulation, functional interaction, chemical reactions, and pharmacokinetic processes.
The most common type is receptor antagonism, where one drug acts as an antagonist to block the effects of another drug by...
The most common type is receptor antagonism, where one drug acts as an antagonist to block the effects of another drug by...
8.9K