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Author Spotlight: Reprogramming Cancer Cells to iPSCs to Study Disease Progression and Treatment Targets
Published on: February 2, 2024
The harmonies played by miR-302/367 cluster in pluripotency, reprogramming, and rejuvenation
Melika Zamanian1,2, Sharif Moradi2,3, Hossein Baharvand2,3
1Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Medical Technologies, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran.
None:
The conserved, pluripotency-associated miR-302/367 cluster coordinates cell fate and aging via epigenetic, cell cycle, and signaling regulation. Highly expressed in pluripotent stem cells and silenced during differentiation, it promotes efficient somatic cell reprogramming by suppressing senescence mediators (eg, p16INK4a, p21) and replacing oncogenes such as c-Myc to minimize tumorigenic risks. Beyond pluripotency, the miR-302/367 cluster reduces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and fibrosis, indicating therapeutic potential in age-associated conditions such as neurodegenerative, ocular, and fibrotic diseases. This review summarizes the dual ability of miR-302/367 cluster in promoting cell state transitions and transiently resetting cellular aging to enable healthspan extension. We critically discuss the pivotal role of miR-302/367 cluster in pluripotency and reprogramming while countering aging hallmarks. Finally, we explore how combining single-miRNA therapeutics with clinically viable delivery systems (lipid nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles) can link cellular reprogramming with targeted rejuvenation therapies.
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