MicroRNAs -the next generation therapeutic targets in human diseases

Theranostics. 2013 Nov 29;3(12):930-42. doi: 10.7150/thno.7026.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), an abundant class of ~22-nucleotide non-coding RNAs, regulate the expression of genes at post transcriptional level. MiRNAs are important regulators of eukaryotic gene expression and therefore implicated in a wide range of biological processes. The miRNA-related genetic alterations are possibly more implicated human diseases than currently appreciated. Genetic variants in miRNA target sites, called miRNA genes are identified to be associated with human diseases. This review discusses about the role of micro-RNA genes in various human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardio-vascular diseases, and metabolic disorders, and how they can be targeted as a new therapeutic tool in future with reference to drug discoveries/ development.

Keywords: Cardio-vascular diseases and metabolic disorders; Neurodegenerative disorders; miRNA therapy; novel therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Diseases / therapy
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Molecular Medicine / methods*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / therapy

Substances

  • MicroRNAs