Targeting MicroRNAs: Promising Future Therapeutics in the Treatment of Allergic Airway Disease

Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr. 2018;28(2):125-127. doi: 10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2018022218.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that control gene expression posttranscriptionally by directly blocking translation of their target mRNAs or by repressing protein production via mRNA destabilization. Investigations into miRNAs began approximately 12 years ago with their discovery in mammalian cells. Still, the involvement of miRNAs in the development of asthma remains unclear, and this topic needs further research to discover various molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of asthma and new therapeutic interventions. So far, various miRNAs have been identified in allergic airway disease along with their targets. Our present mini-review highlights the latest information involving the role of miRNAs in asthma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / genetics*
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / genetics*
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / pathology
  • Respiratory System / pathology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger