MicroRNAs as multifaceted regulators and therapeutic targets in ulcerative colitis

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
10:37

Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform

Published on: November 30, 2016

8.6K

Xuerui Wang1,2, Nan Jiang3, Weixiang Yin4

  • 1Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|January 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) significantly impact ulcerative colitis (UC) by affecting gut barrier function, immune responses, and microbial balance. These molecules show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for UC.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by gut barrier defects, immune system dysregulation, and altered gut microbiota.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and are implicated in UC pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of miRNAs in UC pathogenesis, covering their impact on the gut barrier, immune system, and microbiota.
  • To explore the clinical potential of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for UC diagnosis and monitoring.
  • To discuss the therapeutic applications of miRNAs in UC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent mechanistic insights and translational advances in miRNA research related to UC.
  • Analysis of miRNA involvement in epithelial cell apoptosis, tight junction integrity, and mucin secretion.
  • Examination of miRNA influence on immune cell differentiation and polarization (e.g., Th17/Treg balance).

Main Results:

  • Specific miRNAs (e.g., miR-223, miR-151-5p, miR-429) contribute to UC-related barrier dysfunction.
  • miRNAs modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, influencing macrophage polarization and T cell differentiation.
  • Circulating miRNAs show potential as non-invasive biomarkers for UC diagnosis, activity assessment, and predicting treatment response.
  • miRNA-based therapeutics (mimics and inhibitors) demonstrate efficacy in early clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs are key regulators in UC, influencing barrier integrity, immune responses, and host-microbe interactions.
  • Circulating miRNAs offer a promising avenue for non-invasive diagnostics and monitoring of UC.
  • miRNA-targeted therapies represent a novel and potentially effective treatment strategy for UC, complementing existing biologics.
Keywords:
biomarkersgut microbiotaimmune homeostasismiRNA-targeted therapeuticsmicroRNAsulcerative colitis

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