Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

mirMachine: A One-Stop Shop for Plant miRNA Annotation
Published on: May 1, 2021
Role of miRNA signalling in the pathogenesis of MASLD
Shi-Lin Cheng1, Jun Hao1,2, Hong-Yan Qin1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules that are involved in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) either by promoting or inhibiting the transition from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis/fibrosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Mechanistically, miRNAs regulate the progression of MASLD through intercellular communication within hepatic tissues or remote transport into the liver from extrahepatic tissue. In comparison with conventional RNA-based therapeutics, miRNAs show irreplaceable advantages for MASLD treatment, including reduced immunogenicity, enhanced therapeutic precision, and improved structural stability. This review systematically summarizes the assignable roles of miRNA-mediated intrahepatic or extrahepatic communication in MASLD, and evaluates the existing miRNA-targeting therapeutic strategies for MASLD.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression. This review explores miRNA functions and therapeutic strategies for MASLD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Hepatology
- RNA Therapeutics
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing health concern.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in MASLD pathogenesis, influencing its progression.
- miRNAs mediate communication within and to the liver, impacting disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the roles of miRNA-mediated communication in MASLD.
- To evaluate current miRNA-targeting therapeutic strategies for MASLD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNAs in MASLD.
- Analysis of miRNA roles in intrahepatic and extrahepatic communication.
- Evaluation of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- miRNAs can promote or inhibit the transition from hepatic steatosis to more severe liver conditions.
- Intercellular communication via miRNAs is a key mechanism in MASLD progression.
- miRNAs offer advantages over conventional RNA therapeutics for MASLD.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are critical regulators in MASLD development and progression.
- Targeting miRNAs presents a promising therapeutic avenue for MASLD.
- Further research into miRNA-based therapies is warranted for effective MASLD management.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...

