Ferroptosis-associated microRNAs: Systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death pathway involving lipid peroxidation.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in disease pathogenesis.
• Dysregulation of ferroptosis is linked to various diseases, including cancers and degenerative conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize current knowledge on miRNAs involved in ferroptosis.
• To identify specific miRNAs that inhibit or induce ferroptosis in different disease contexts.
• To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ferroptosis-related disorders.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of EMBL-EBI, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
• Inclusion of studies published up to October 31, 2022.
• Analysis of 127 articles identifying 107 distinct miRNAs influencing ferroptosis.

Main Results:

• Identified 107 distinct miRNAs that modulate ferroptosis.
• Highlighted miRNAs acting as ferroptosis inhibitors or inducers in cancers (lung, breast, colorectal) and degenerative diseases (acute renal failure, diabetic retinopathy).
• Detailed molecular mechanisms involving miRNA targeting of genes in iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defense.

Conclusions:

• miRNAs are crucial regulators of ferroptosis across diverse diseases.
• Specific miRNAs show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for ferroptosis-related conditions.
• miRNAs represent promising therapeutic targets for novel disease management strategies.