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Results for “miRNA”

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PubMed2024

Comprehensive analysis of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network related to angiogenesis in recurrent implantation failure.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal endometrial blood flow causes a decrease in endometrial receptivity and is considered a relatively independent risk factor for recurrent implantation failure (RIF). This study aimed to explore the potentially functional circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in RIF, and further explore its mechanism. METHODS: Datasets were downloaded from the GEO database to identify differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA and PPI networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.6.0 and the STRING database, the hub genes were identified with the cytoHubba plug-in, and a circRNA-miRNA-hub mRNA regulatory sub-network was constructed. Then, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the hub genes were performed to comprehensively analyze the mechanism of hub mRNAs in RIF. Due to the results of circRNAs-miRNAs-hub mRNAs regulatory network, we verified the expression of circRNA_0001721, circRNA_0000714, miR-17-5p, miR-29b-3p, HIF1A and VEGFA in the RIF mouse model by qRT‒PCR and western blotting. RESULTS: We initially identified 175 DEmRNAs, 48 DEmiRNAs and 56 DEcircRNAs in RIF associated with angiogenesis and constructed a circRNA-miRNA‒mRNA network and PPI network. We further identified six hub genes in the acquired network. Based on these genes, functional enrichment analysis revealed that the HIF-1 signaling pathway plays a vital role in endometrial angiogenesis in RIF. In addition, the interaction networks of circRNA_0001721/miR-17-5p/HIF1A and the circRNA_0000714/miR-29b-3p/VEGFA axis were predicted. In the RIF mouse model, circRNA_0001721, circRNA_0000714, HIF1A and VEGFA were down-regulated, whereas miR-17-5p and miR-29b-3p were up-regulated according to qRT‒PCR and western blotting. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the HIF-1 signaling pathway plays a vital role in endometrial angiogenesis in RIF. The circRNA_0001721/miR-17-5p/HIF1A and circRNA_0000714/miR-29b-3p/VEGFA axes might play a role in the pathogenesis of endometrial angiogenesis in RIF.

MicroRNAs↗

PubMed2026

Correlative analysis of endogenous miRNA expression profiles underlying brown planthopper adaptation to resistant rice.

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål, BPH) is a major insect pest threatening global rice production. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of BPH populations with different virulence levels to resistant rice cultivars remain poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as key post-transcriptional regulators, play critical roles in host adaptation in herbivorous insects. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA expression profiles of a high-virulent population (IR56p) and a low-virulence population (TN1p) after feeding on susceptible (TN1) and resistant (IR56) rice cultivars. Our findings reveal distinct miRNA-mediated regulatory strategies employed by the two populations. The IR56p population showed downregulation of miRNAs including miR-10, miR-124, and miR-316, showing an inverse correlation with increased expression of predicted target genes involved in detoxification (carboxylesterase, UDP-glycosyltransferase) and effector function (calmodulin). In contrast, several miRNAs highly expressed in IR56p, including miR-307, miR-317, and miR-275, were predicted to target rice genes associated with hormone signaling, cell wall biosynthesis, and oxidative homeostasis, suggesting a possible but unproven inter-species regulatory role that requires functional validation. Collectively, these descriptive and correlative findings provide hypothesis generating insights into insect-plant coevolution and identifies candidate molecular targets for future functional validation and RNA interference-based pest management strategies.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

miRNA-mediated control of TLR-NLR interplay in the uterus: A hidden corner of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are crucial pattern recognition receptors that initiate inflammatory responses and immunological activation upon detecting pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPS) in the female reproductive tract, thereby maintaining homeostasis and supporting pregnancy success. Their signaling pathways play a significant role in reproductive disorders by mediating the immune response to various pathogenic stimuli. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), defined as the natural ending of two or more pregnancies before 24 weeks of gestation, approximately half of these patients remain idiopathic without precise prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic plans. Emerging data point that microRNAs are essential for immunological control in the female reproductive tract. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to mRNA and preventing translation into protein. miRNAs play a role in many biological processes, including the development and differentiation of trophoblasts, the activation and implantation of embryos, immune tolerance, and the receptivity of the endometrium during implantation. Given their capacity to regulate up to 30 % of the human genome, miRNAs offer a promising avenue for understanding the immunopathogenesis of pregnancy complications. Recent research has detected differential expression of specific miRNAs in reproductive system pathologies. This review focuses on microRNAs and their association with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage, a condition characterized by considerable heterogeneity. Future studies identifying the precise mechanisms linking miRNA-mediated immune dysregulation in RPL immunopathogenesis could open the way for novel personalized therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

Female↗

PubMed2024

Uncovering essential anesthetics-induced exosomal miRNAs related to hepatocellular carcinoma progression: a bioinformatic investigation.

BACKGROUND: Anesthetic drugs may alter exosomal microRNA (miRNA) contents and mediate cancer progression and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Our study aims to explore how the anesthetics (sevoflurane and propofol) impact the miRNA makeup within exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), alongside the interconnected signaling pathways linked to the tumor immune microenvironment. METHODS: In this prospective study, we collected plasma exosomes from two groups of HCC patients (n = 5 each) treated with either propofol or sevoflurane, both before anesthesia and after hepatectomy. Exosomal miRNA profiles were assessed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Furthermore, the expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) was used to pinpoint the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) attributed to the influence of propofol or sevoflurane in the context of HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were used to dissect the signaling pathways and biological activities associated with the identified DEmiRNAs and their corresponding target genes. RESULTS: A total of 35 distinct DEmiRNAs were exclusively regulated by either propofol (n = 9) or sevoflurane (n = 26). Through TCGA-LIHC database analysis, 8 DEmiRNAs were associated with HCC. These included propofol-triggered miR-452-5p and let-7c-5p, as well as sevoflurane-induced miR-24-1-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-200a-3p, miR-4686, miR-214-3p, and miR-511-5p. Analyses revealed that among these 8 DEmiRNAs, the upregulation of miR-24-1-5p consistently demonstrated a significant association with lower histological grades (p < 0.0001), early-stage tumors (p < 0.05) and higher survival (p = 0.029). Further analyses using GSEA and GSVA indicated that miR-24-1-5p, along with its target genes, were involved in governing the tumor immune microenvironment and potentially inhibiting tumor progression in HCC. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided bioinformatics evidence suggesting that sevoflurane-induced plasma exosomal miRNAs may have a potential impact on the immune microenvironment of HCC. These findings established a foundation for future research into mechanistic outcomes in cancer patients.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

PubMed2026

miRNA Target Prediction: An Overview of the Past and Current Tools.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are among the most studied molecules in recent years, and since their discovery, many miRNAs have been identified across various species. As members of the non-coding RNA family, miRNAs are key players in post-transcriptional gene regulation. These molecules can inhibit translation or promote degradation of messenger RNA (mRNA) by binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNA, thereby influencing almost all biological processes. To identify a miRNA's biological role, it is essential to predict the target sites to which it binds, a goal made possible through bioinformatics tools. This chapter discusses the bioinformatics tools commonly used for this purpose. Also, it analyzes the main factors considered in target prediction, such as seed match, free energy, conservation, site accessibility, multiple binding site contribution, and machine learning and deep learning approaches. Understanding the principles underlying these predictive methodologies is crucial for advancing one's biological research on miRNAs.

MicroRNAs↗

PubMed2026

Construction of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in the intestine of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) following Vibrio anguillarum infection.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play pivotal roles in post-transcriptional regulation by acting as molecular sponges for microRNAs (miRNAs) within the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. However, the regulatory mechanisms in teleost immune responses remain poorly understood. In this study, circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were investigated in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) following Vibrio anguillarum infection to elucidate host-pathogen interactions. Through high-throughput sequencing of intestinal tissues, a total of 50 differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) (18 at 2 hpi, 16 at 12 hpi, 16 at 48 hpi), 212 DE-miRNAs (11 at 2 hpi, 70 at 12 hpi, 15 at 48 hpi), and 1774 DE-mRNAs were identified. Functional enrichment analyses (GO/KEGG) revealed significant associations with immune pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway and gap junction. An integrated circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed, highlighting key interactions including novel_circ_0002573/DE-miR-27a-3p/FGB and novel_circ_0002423/novel_347/GNE, which may regulate inflammatory and antibacterial responses. The expression patterns of selected circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs were validated using qRT-PCR, confirming the reliability of the sequencing results. Importantly, fibrinogen beta chain (FGB) and CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling were identified as critical immune modulators. These findings provide insights of the ceRNA regulatory networks involved in teleost intestinal immunity and provide potential molecular targets for selective breeding of disease resistance in this species.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Establishment of a cBSA-mediated miRNA delivery system in Camellia sinensis and functional validation of the Cs-miR163/CsSK1 module in cold stress response.

Cold stress severely limits tea (Camellia sinensis) yield and quality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of plant cold responses; however, in vivo functional validation in tea plants is hindered by the lack of efficient genetic transformation and nucleic acid delivery systems. In this study, a cationized bovine serum albumin (cBSA)-mediated miRNA delivery system was established in tea plants. The cold-responsive miRNA Cs-miR163 and its target gene CsSK1 (a negative regulator of cold tolerance) were used as a model. Direct cleavage of CsSK1 mRNA by Cs-miR163 was confirmed by 5' RLM-RACE and GUS transient expression assays, and enhanced cold tolerance was demonstrated in Arabidopsis overexpression lines. The cBSA preparation protocol was optimized, yielding stable cBSA/miRNA complexes with high protective capacity across temperatures of 15-35 °C and pH 4.5-7.2. Delivery parameters were systematically evaluated; optimal conditions were determined as 2 mg/mL cBSA with 10 nM miRNA and solution uptake into 3-cm cuttings for 5 days, enhancing miRNA delivery efficiency by approximately 48-fold. Transmission electron microscopy provided direct ultrastructural evidence that cBSA/miRNA nanocomplexes are internalized into tea plant cells via adsorptive-mediated endocytosis involving electrostatic membrane adsorption, membrane invagination, and cytoplasmic release. Under optimized conditions, cBSA-mediated delivery of Cs-miR163 silenced CsSK1 expression by approximately 72%, reduced relative electrolyte leakage and ROS accumulation, and markedly enhanced cold tolerance. The regulatory role of the Cs-miR163/CsSK1 module was clarified, and the established system provides a promising strategy for functional genomics in woody plants that warrants further testing in additional species and tissues.

Camellia sinensis↗

PubMed2026

iMSC-derived extracellular vesicles and their miRNA cargo influence inflammation and oxidative damage in an in vitro osteoarthritis model.

Osteoarthritis is a multifactorial chronic joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation and inflammation. Since there is no effective cure, emerging therapeutic approaches, such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) transplantation, are currently under investigation. However, the clinical translation of MSC-based therapies is hampered by several limitations, such as donor-dependent variability and heterogeneity related to tissue sources. To address these issues, MSCs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iMSCs) have been proposed as a more standardized and scalable alternative. Due to the risks of cell-based therapy, extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly iMSC-EVs (iEVs), could represent a promising cell-free approach for OA treatment. The present study aimed at characterizing iMSC-derived EVs and evaluating their functional role in modulating inflammatory responses and redox balance in an in vitro OA model. Notably, recent evidence highlights the central role of EV-encapsulated microRNAs (EV-miRNAs) in mediating these effects. EVs isolated from iMSC conditioned media were characterized, and their miRNA content was analyzed at different culture passages. Selected miRNAs were subsequently assessed for their biological activity in an in vitro OA model, with a focus on their impact on inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress parameters. Specifically, six miRNAs such as hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-29a-3p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, and hsa-miR-29c-3p differentially reflect the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of iMSCs-EVs treatment, suggesting possible synergistic effects. Their combined effect in the in vitro model confirmed their potential modulation in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, their treatment markedly reduced ROS accumulation and oxidative damage, while restoring antioxidant defense systems. These findings support the therapeutic potential of iMSC-derived EVs as a cell-free strategy for OA treatment. The miRNA cargo encapsulated within iEVs appears to play a pivotal role in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress, emphasizing their promise as a novel, minimally invasive approach for disease modification in OA.

MicroRNAs↗

PubMed2025

Abnormal levels of miRNA in pancreatic cancer are linked to tumor progression by regulating the translation of tumor-associated mRNA.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most malignant tumors, characterized by limited treatment efficacy. MAIN FINDINGS: microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating the proliferation, invasion, migration, drug resistance, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression of pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting tumor-associated proteins. Metscape analysis revealed that miRNA-targeted proteins associated with pancreatic cancer are enriched in processes such as cell proliferation, mitosis, and cell migration, and participate in multiple signaling pathways. These proteins primarily localize to classical pathways, including JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin. Furthermore, gene mutations or abnormal alternative poly(A)denylation (APA) within miRNA-targeted regions can disrupt base pairing to the 3'-Untranslated Region (3'-UTR), thereby enhancing the translation of oncogenic mRNA translation. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Collectively, these findings indicate that multiple miRNAs act cooperatively to influence pancreatic cancer progression. Consequently, therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring the balance of the miRNA system are essential to disrupt the 'mRNA-oncogene' vicious cycle.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Tracing the molecular route to progression in miRNA-biogenesis-defective thyroid lesions.

Germline and somatic changes in DICER1 and DGCR8 microprocessors confer risk of developing benign and malignant thyroid lesions, yet the molecular events driving malignant transformation remain unclear. We trace the molecular trajectories from benignity to malignancy in DICER1- and DGCR8-mutated thyroid lesions using multiomic profiling on over 30 DICER1-/DGCR8-mutated samples. Our findings reveal a progressive, specific, and linear accumulation of genetic changes, which when combined with enhanced downregulation of miRNAs distinguished DICER1-/DGCR8-malignant lesions from their benign counterparts. Compensatory hypomethylation of miRNA-encoding genes characterized DICER1-/DGCR8-benign lesions, but as the tumors progressed to malignancy, methylation was partly reimposed, reversing the attempts to activate miRNA-encoded genes and further compromising miRNA production. Transcriptomic analyses revealed mutation-specific effects on the microenvironment, whereby DICER1 mutations activated canonical thyroid cancer progression pathways, whereas altered DGCR8 associated with immune-related changes. This work unveils specific molecular events underlying malignant progression of miRNA-biogenesis-related thyroid tumors and identifies potential biomarkers and disease etiology mechanisms.

MicroRNAs↗

PubMed2026

Comprehensive Analysis of miRNAs and Predicted Protein Interaction Networks in Skeletal Muscle Development of Myostatin-Deficient Rabbits.

Myostatin (MSTN), encoded by the MSTN gene, is a critical negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. This study aims to identify and characterize the miRNAs involved in the development of the double-muscling phenotype in MSTN-deficient rabbits. We performed high-throughput sequencing to analyze the miRNA expression profiles in gluteus maximus tissue from wild type (MSTN+/+) and MSTN-KO (MSTN+/- and MSTN-/- inclusive) rabbits. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified, and their potential target genes were predicted. Functional enrichment analysis of these target mRNAs was conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database to elucidate the involved biological pathways and regulatory networks. A total of 25 DEmiRNAs (13 downregulated and 12 upregulated, |log2FC| ≥ 1.0, adjusted p < 0.05) and 1178 differentially expressed mRNAs (408 upregulated and 770 downregulated, |log2FC| ≥ 2.0, adjusted p < 0.05) were identified in MSTN-KO compared to MSTN+/+ rabbits. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the target genes of these DEmiRNAs were significantly enriched in key pathways governing muscle growth and metabolism, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and pathways related to ECM-receptor interaction and insulin signaling. Notably, many predicted target mRNAs are expressed by genes that encode key inhibitors of myogenesis (e.g., HDAC4) and major extracellular matrix components (e.g., COL4A3, POSTN). Our results demonstrate that MSTN deficiency induces a distinct and widespread change in the miRNA expression landscape of skeletal muscle.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Integrated transcriptomic analysis of mRNA and miRNA in Brown adipose tissue of the greater horseshoe bats during hibernation.

Hibernation enables animals survive harsh environments by conserving energy through reduced metabolism and body temperature. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a critical role in non-shivering thermogenesis, crucial for warming up during arousal phase. The greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus nippon) are typical hibernators and non-shivering thermogenesis in BAT tissue may persist throughout the arousal process in bats. This study examines gene expression and regulatory changes in BAT of these bats across active, hibernation, and arousal phases using transcriptome and miRNA sequencing. A total of 2721 differentially expressed mRNAs and 268 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. The results reveal that the BAT transcriptome undergoes state-dependent remodeling throughout the hibernation process. The most pronounced divergence occurs between the active phase and torpor, involving cell cycle arrest, immunosuppression, thermogenic signal desensitization, and upregulation of lipid metabolism and autophagy pathways, reflecting the coordinated adaptation of energy conservation and thermogenic reserve. In contrast, transcriptional alterations between torpor and arousal are extremely limited, indicating that torpid BAT is already pre-primed for thermogenesis and requires only modest transcriptional adjustments to activate heat production. Notably, although body temperature recovers to active-phase levels during arousal, the molecular signature of BAT remains highly similar to that of the torpid state. Furthermore, the core thermogenic gene UCP1 showed no significant expression differences across the three groups. In conclusion, this study systematically delineates the miRNA-mRNA regulatory landscape of bat BAT across the hibernation process, and deepens our understanding of the thermoregulatory mechanisms underlying mammalian hibernation.

BAT↗

PubMed2025

Association between residential greenness and coronary heart disease: A proteomics and miRNA microarray analysis.

Greenness has been linked to cardiovascular disease. However, the specific biological mechanisms through which greenness impacts coronary heart disease (CHD) remain unclear. We aim to explore the underlying epigenetic mechanisms linking greenness and CHD by using proteomics and miRNA microarray. A total of 2387 participants were included in the population study, 816 of whom were diagnosed with CHD. Residential greenness exposure was characterized using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Generalized additive models and restricted cubic splines investigated the association between greenness and CHD. Mediation analysis examined whether cardiovascular metabolic risk factors (blood pressure, inflammation indicators, and glucose) mediated the association. After proteomics and miRNA microarray screening, Elisa and qRT-PCR validated selected proteins (THBS1, FCN3, and LTBP1) and miRNAs (miR-671-5p, miR-124-3p, and miR-379-5p) in CHD. Among these, LTBP1 and miR-379-5p showed significant differential expression (P < 0.05) and were examined as potential molecular mediators. Higher greenness exposure within a 1000-m area was associated with a lower risk of CHD (OR: 0.86, 95 % CI: 0.81, 0.92). Systolic blood pressure (6.32 % [95 % CI: 1.49 %, 13.12 %]), lymphocyte (10.98 % [95 % CI: 3.76 %, 22.00 %]), monocyte (9.94 % [95 % CI: 3.42 %, 20.87 %]), and fasting blood glucose (3.41 % [95 % CI: 0.56 %, 7.84 %]) mediated this association. LTBP1 and miR-379-5p were differentially expressed in CHD and mediated 7.19 % [95 % CI: 0.01 %, 23.37 %] and 20.03 % [95 % CI: 2.85 %, 69.71 %] of greenness effect on CHD, respectively. Combining the population study and experiments, we found that miR-379-5p and LTBP1 may jointly modulate vascular constriction and immune inflammation in the association between greenness and CHD.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

miR9772, a Triticum-specific miRNA involved in regulating wheat salt tolerance and grain size.

Salt stress severely impairs crop productivity worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous small noncoding RNAs, which played the crucial role in regulating plant growth, development as well as stress responses at the posttranscriptional level. However, the significance of miRNA on salt response in wheat is not well understood at present. In this study, we identified a salt-responsive miRNA from wild emmer wheat, miR9772, which appears to be specific to Triticum species. Under salt stress, the expression of miR9772 was significantly induced and upregulated. Functional analyses revealed that overexpression of miR9772 increased salt sensitivity in wheat, whereas silencing of miR9772 using Short Tandem Target Mimic (STTM) technology markedly enhanced salt tolerance, demonstrated its crucial role in regulating wheat's salt response. Furthermore, we revealed that miR9772 could target on CYP76C4 to decline its expression abundance to affect wheat's salt resistance. Additionally, agronomic and yield-related traits of transgenic wheat lines based on field experiments showed that miR9772-silenced lines exhibited larger grain size and higher grain yield per plant, indicating that miR9772 simultaneously regulated the salt tolerance and grain development. Collectively, this study provided a new target for improving wheat salt tolerance without yield penalty through genome editing breeding.

Triticum↗

PubMed2022

An Exosomal miRNA Biomarker for the Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a difficult tumor to diagnose and treat. To date, PDAC lacks routine screening with no markers available for early detection. Exosomes are 40-150 nm-sized extracellular vesicles that contain DNA, RNA, and proteins. These exosomes are released by all cell types into circulation and thus can be harvested from patient body fluids, thereby facilitating a non-invasive method for PDAC detection. A bioinformatics analysis was conducted utilizing publicly available miRNA pancreatic cancer expression and genome databases. Through this analysis, we identified 18 miRNA with strong potential for PDAC detection. From this analysis, 10 (MIR31, MIR93, MIR133A1, MIR210, MIR330, MIR339, MIR425, MIR429, MIR1208, and MIR3620) were chosen due to high copy number variation as well as their potential to differentiate patients with chronic pancreatitis, neoplasms, and PDAC. These 10 were examined for their mature miRNA expression patterns, giving rise to 18 mature miRs for further analysis. Exosomal RNA from cell culture media was analyzed via RTqPCR and seven mature miRs exhibited statistical significance (miR-31-5p, miR-31-3p, miR-210-3p, miR-339-5p, miR-425-5p, miR-425-3p, and miR-429). These identified biomarkers can potentially be used for early detection of PDAC.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Development and validation of a plasma miRNA-CEA biomarker panel for early detection of lung cancer.

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring the critical need for early detection to improve patient outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate a plasma microRNA biomarker panel for the early detection of non-small cell lung cancer in a Japanese cohort. We enrolled 525 participants, comprising 261 LC cases and 264 non-LC controls, divided into optimization and validation cohorts. A 12-miRNA panel was optimized and further combined with CEA to enhance diagnostic performance. The miRNA-alone model demonstrated robust performance in both the optimization (AUC = 77.0%) and validation cohorts (AUC = 77.9%). Integration with CEA significantly improved accuracy, achieving AUCs of 86.2% in optimization and 84.9% in validation, with particularly high performance in late-stage cancers (AUC = 94.4%) and squamous cell carcinoma (AUC = 90.7%). Sensitivity and specificity thresholds were evaluated, enabling model customization for diverse clinical scenarios. These findings highlight the potential of the miRNA-CEA panel as a minimally invasive tool for early LC detection, especially in non-smoking populations.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Invertebrate miRNA pva-small RNA-11881/pva-miR-11881 as a potential RNA-based therapeutic against white spot syndrome virus in infected shrimp.

Small RNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) play diverse roles in host virus interactions and hold promise for therapeutic applications. An uncharacterized shrimp miRNA with potent activity against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), a major double-stranded DNA pathogen in aquaculture, was identified and characterized. Among the 1,239 differentially expressed unannotated small RNAs in Penaeus vannamei hemocytes, one of the most strongly downregulated candidates, termed pva-small RNA-11881 or pva-miR-11881, was predicted to target multiple WSSV genes. A pva-small RNA-11881/pva-miR-11881 isomir that originates from the 5' untranslated region of a host lipase 3-like gene was identified. Its primary transcript contains Drosha and Dicer processing sites, and the precursor exhibits canonical pre-miRNA features. In vivo administration of its primary transcript, pva-pri-miR-11881, significantly reduced WSSV copy number and improved shrimp survival. Mechanistically, pva-miR-11881 directly suppresses crucial WSSV genes WSSV004, WSSV164, and WSSV419 and modulates the host immune response against WSSV infection by enhancing phenoloxidase activity, thereby reducing apoptosis and necrosis, and promoting caspase-1-mediated cell death. These findings reveal that the pva-miR-11881 in P. vannamei holds strong potential as a biotherapeutic agent for managing viral diseases in shrimp.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Hepatocyte-Enriched miRNA-193b-3p Promotes Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Dual Activation of Viral Core Promoter Activity and Autophagy Induction by Targeting IGF-1R.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a principal cause of severe liver disease in humans and is associated with increased levels of specific serum or intracellular microRNAs (miRNAs). Among these, miR-193b-3p is a liver-enriched miRNA; however, its role in HBV replication remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of chronic HBV infection on miR-193b-3p levels in the peripheral blood and liver tissues of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), evaluate the effect of miR-193b-3p on HBV replication both in vitro and in vivo, and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms. We showed that hepatic miR-193b-3p levels in patients with CHB were significantly elevated compared with those in healthy controls. Ectopic expression of miR-193b-3p significantly enhanced HBV replication and transcription in different hepatoma cell lines. Furthermore, we identified IGF-1R as a direct target through which miR-193b-3p regulates HBV replication. Mechanistically, miR-193b-3p increased HBV core promoter activity via the IGF-1R/FXRα axis, thereby enhancing HBV transcription. Additionally, miR-193b-3p increased IGF-1R/Akt/MDM2/p53 signaling-mediated autophagy induction, which in turn facilitated increased HBV post-transcriptional activity. Collectively, hepatocyte-enriched miR-193b-3p exerts a proviral effect on HBV replication through dual synergistic mechanisms, offering novel insights into its role in HBV replication and potential therapeutic implications in CHB infection.

Humans↗