Circulating MicroRNAs in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Narrative Review
Marisa Denisse Colin Waldo1, Xochipilzihuitl Quintero-Millán1, Maria Cristina Negrete-García1
1Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Research in Pulmonary Fibrosis, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.
Abstract:
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, deathly disease with no recognized effective cure as yet. Furthermore, its diagnosis and differentiation from other diffuse interstitial diseases remain a challenge. Circulating miRNAs have been measured in IPF and have proven to be an adequate option as biomarkers for this disease. These miRNAs, released into the circulation outside the cell through exosomes and proteins, play a crucial role in the pathogenic pathways and mechanisms involved in IPF development. This review focuses on the serum/plasma miRNAs reported in IPF that have been validated by real-time PCR and the published evidence regarding the fibrotic process. First, we describe the mechanisms by which miRNAs travel through the circulation (contained in exosomes and bound to proteins), as well as the mechanism by which miRNAs perform their function within the cell. Subsequently, we summarize the evidence concerning miRNAs reported in serum/plasma, where we find contradictory functions in some miRNAs (dual functions in IPF) when comparing the findings in vitro vs. in vivo. The most relevant finding, for instance, the levels of miRNAs let-7d and miR-21 reported in the serum/plasma in IPF, correspond to those found in studies in lung fibroblasts and the murine bleomycin model, reinforcing the usefulness of these miRNAs as future biomarkers in IPF.
Insights
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as biomarkers for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Serum/plasma miRNAs, particularly let-7d and miR-21, correlate with disease progression and fibrotic mechanisms, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease with limited treatment options.
- Accurate diagnosis and differentiation of IPF from other interstitial lung diseases remain challenging.
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in IPF pathogenesis and show potential as diagnostic biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review serum/plasma miRNAs reported in IPF validated by real-time PCR.
- To explore the role of circulating miRNAs in IPF development and fibrotic processes.
- To assess the potential of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for IPF.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies reporting serum/plasma miRNAs in IPF.
- Validation of miRNA detection using real-time PCR.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence for miRNA function in fibrosis.
Main Results:
- Circulating miRNAs, encapsulated in exosomes or bound to proteins, are key players in IPF.
- Some miRNAs exhibit dual functions in IPF, with differing effects observed in vitro versus in vivo.
- Specific miRNAs, such as let-7d and miR-21, show consistent levels in IPF serum/plasma, lung fibroblasts, and animal models.
Conclusions:
- Serum/plasma miRNAs are valuable biomarkers for IPF diagnosis and monitoring.
- Understanding miRNA transport and function is crucial for IPF research.
- let-7d and miR-21 represent promising candidates for future IPF biomarker development.
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