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The emerging roles of microRNAs in pneumoconiosis: pathogenic mechanisms and clinical implications

Xuanyan He1, Lanxi Ye1, Guangchao Zhou1

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|May 29, 2026
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key to understanding pneumoconiosis, a common occupational lung disease. Research highlights their role in disease progression, offering potential for early diagnosis and new treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pneumoconiosis is a prevalent occupational disease with unclear pathogenesis and limited treatment options.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
  • miRNAs are implicated in the development and progression of pneumoconiosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on the role of miRNAs in pneumoconiosis.
  • To explore miRNAs as potential biomarkers for early screening and diagnosis.
  • To provide insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on miRNAs and pneumoconiosis.
  • Analysis of miRNA involvement in gene expression regulation relevant to pneumoconiosis.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of miRNA functions in disease development.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs are significantly associated with pneumoconiosis development and progression.
  • Dysregulation of specific miRNAs impacts key pathways in lung disease.
  • miRNAs show promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs are crucial in pneumoconiosis pathogenesis.
  • Targeting miRNAs may offer novel therapeutic avenues.
  • Further research into miRNAs can improve early detection and management of pneumoconiosis.
Keywords:
biomarkerscytokinesmiRNApneumoconiosissignaling pathway

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