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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues
Published on: September 8, 2015
Maize miRNAs Might Regulate Human Genes Involved in Prostate Cancer: An In Silico Approach
Ximena Vázquez-Cadena1, Oscar Alejandro Faz-Cortez1, Benito Pereyra-Alférez1
1Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Mexico.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recent studies have demonstrated that plant miRNAs can survive through dietary intake and act as signaling molecules in intercellular communication, proving a cross-kingdom interaction. The aim of the present study was to use computational approaches to identify interactions between Zea mays (maize) miRNAs and human coding mRNAs potentially involved in different biological processes. We identified 961 unique genes potentially regulated by maize miRNAs. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis via GO and KEGG was carried out focusing primarily on the pathway related to prostate cancer where 13 genes were potentially regulated by 15 maize miRNAs. Our findings not only provide an important insight into the potential effects that maize-derived miRNAs could have on the human body, but also highlight the importance of considering these molecules for further research and potential therapeutic applications against major diseases such as cancer.
Insights
Maize microRNAs (miRNAs) can interact with human genes after dietary intake. This study computationally identified 961 human genes potentially regulated by maize miRNAs, including 13 linked to prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Plant miRNAs can survive digestion and mediate cross-kingdom intercellular communication.
- Dietary intake of plant-derived miRNAs suggests potential physiological effects in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To computationally identify interactions between maize (Zea mays) miRNAs and human coding mRNAs.
- To explore the potential biological roles and pathways influenced by these cross-kingdom interactions.
- To investigate the specific impact on pathways relevant to human diseases, such as cancer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized computational approaches to predict miRNA-mRNA interactions.
- Performed functional enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway databases.
- Focused analysis on pathways implicated in human diseases, particularly prostate cancer.
Main Results:
- Identified 961 unique human genes potentially regulated by maize miRNAs.
- Functional enrichment analysis revealed maize miRNAs' potential involvement in various biological processes.
- Specifically, 13 genes within the prostate cancer pathway were found to be potentially regulated by 15 maize miRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Maize-derived miRNAs can potentially regulate human gene expression, indicating significant cross-kingdom effects.
- These findings provide insights into the biological impact of dietary plant miRNAs on human health.
- Highlights the potential of plant miRNAs for future research in therapeutic applications, especially in cancer treatment.
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