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MicroRNAs: a symphony orchestrating evolution and disease dynamics

Shan Quah1, Gowtham Subramanian1, Jonathan S L Tan1

  • 1A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove #06-06 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Republic of Singapore.

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|August 7, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Human diseases stem from our evolutionary history, with microRNAs (miRNAs) playing key roles. Targeting these evolved miRNAs offers promising precision medicine strategies for cancer, inflammation, and neurological disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular medicine

Background:

  • Human diseases often originate from evolutionary processes.
  • MicroRNA (miRNA) innovation has driven gene regulatory complexity.
  • Many prevalent diseases are linked to the evolved functions of miRNAs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the pathogenic roles of miRNAs in human diseases.
  • To discuss the evolutionary context of miRNA functions in disease.
  • To review current and potential miRNA-targeting therapies for major diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on miRNA evolution and disease.
  • Analysis of miRNA roles in cancer, inflammation, and neurological disorders.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting miRNAs.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs are integral to the evolution of morphological complexity and gene regulation.
  • Dysregulated miRNA functions are implicated in cancer, inflammation-linked pathologies, and neurological disorders.
  • miRNA-based therapies show potential for precision medicine.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the evolutionary roles of miRNAs is crucial for comprehending human disease.
  • Targeting specific miRNAs presents a viable therapeutic avenue for diverse pathologies.
  • miRNA-based approaches are advancing precision medicine for complex diseases.
Keywords:
cancerevolutioninflammationmicroRNAneurodevelopment

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