This text discusses the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as highly sensitive biomarkers for detecting adn treating various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular pathologies, and diabetes.
HereS a breakdown of the key points:
What are miRNAs? They are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression.
Role in Cancer:
oncomirs (promote cancer): miR-21 (associated wiht proliferation and resistance to apoptosis in breast, lung, and colon cancer) and miR-155 (linked to inflammation and tumor progression in lymphomas and breast cancer) are examples.
Tumor Suppressors (inhibit cancer): miR-34 and miR-16 are mentioned as examples whose reduced expression is observed in various neoplasms. Mechanism: miRNAs regulate genes involved in cell division, differentiation, and programmed cell death (apoptosis), which is crucial for eliminating damaged cells.
Role in Cardiovascular Diseases:
miR-126: Decreased levels are observed in patients with coronary heart disease and are associated with endothelial function and angiogenesis.
miR-133a: A useful biomarker for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction.
Role in Diabetes:
miR-375: Involved in insulin secretion regulation and used for early detection of type 2 diabetes.
miR-146a: A biomarker for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, related to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
Beyond Detection: Disease Evolution and Treatment:
Prognostic Value: miRNA expression patterns can indicate disease stages and predict outcomes. As an example, high miR-155 and low let-7 in lung cancer patients suggest a lower probability of survival.
Therapeutic Potential: Modifying miRNA expression (either by increasing or inhibiting them) can influence tumor progression in certain leukemias and lymphomas.
the discovery of miRNAs has significant clinical implications, offering potential for diagnosis, prognosis, and control of a range of diseases, notably cancers.
