microRNA News and Research

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In genetics, microRNAs (miRNA) are single-stranded RNA molecules of 21-23 nucleotides in length, which regulate gene expression. miRNAs are encoded by genes from whose DNA they are transcribed but miRNAs are not translated into protein (i.e. they are non-coding RNAs); instead each primary transcript (a pri-miRNA) is processed into a short stem-loop structure called a pre-miRNA and finally into a functional miRNA. Mature miRNA molecules are partially complementary to one or more messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, and their main function is to down-regulate gene expression.

Study offers insight on how muscles and fat tissue communicate to improve fitness

Why does exercise training make you more fit? It's well established that exercising enhances insulin sensitivity and improves our metabolism that, in turn, increases exercise performance. But the biological mechanisms underlying this adaptation are not fully understood.

15 Sep 2020

Study reveals key biomolecule that can heal damaged heart tissues

When a person suffers a heart attack, parts of the heart can become stiff and scarred, leading to disability and possible progression toward heart failure.

26 Aug 2020

SIDT1 in the mammalian stomach mediates absorption of dietary miRNAs

In a new study published in Cell Research, Chen-Yu Zhang's group at Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, China, reports that SIDT1 in the mammalian stomach mediates host uptake of dietary and orally administered microRNAs (miRNAs), thus exerting biological functions in the host.

18 Aug 2020

Exercise induces changes in sweat biomolecule levels, shows study

A new study shows that in addition to blood, endurance exercise induces changes in sweat biomolecule levels. These findings lay the groundwork for the development of future noninvasive exercise monitoring systems that utilize sweat as a biomarker source.

13 Aug 2020

New methods to regulate enzymes involved in SARS-CoV-2 virus infection

A research team from the HSE University has designed innovative methods for controlling the expression of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 enzymes.

30 Jul 2020

Study pinpoints the miRNA that promotes hair follicle growth

A research team from North Carolina State University has discovered a microRNA, or miRNA, that could make hairs to grow again.

29 Jul 2020

Silver-plated gold nanostars could be used to detect early cancer biomarkers

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have engineered a method for simultaneously detecting the presence of multiple specific microRNAs in RNA extracted from tissue samples without the need for labeling or target amplification.

22 Jul 2020

Novel technology significantly improves the quality of stem cells

For years, stem cells have continued to have excellent potential in regenerative medicine.

6 Jul 2020

Study sheds light on the reproductive role of 'dark matter' DNA

Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University have shed light on the reproductive role of 'dark matter' DNA - non-coding DNA sequences that previously seemed to have no function.

19 Jun 2020

Researchers discover how a microRNA protects vascular integrity

Ludwig-Maximilian-Universitaet in Munich researchers have discovered a hitherto unknown molecular function of a specific microRNA that preserves integrity of the endothelium and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

5 Jun 2020

Study provides new strategies for treating different types of cancer

An RNA molecule involved in preventing the formation of tumors can modify its structure and thus regulate the production of proteins in the cell.

29 May 2020

MicroRNAs play a key role in regulating the function of immune cells

According to a recent study, the ability of the immune system to mobilize specialized cells to fight against infections depends partly on small molecules.

19 May 2020

Scientists study how brain cancer cells acquire radiation resistance

In a vertical climb to avoid collision with a towering mountain, a plane ejects cargo to gain altitude. Investigators at the University of Minnesota showed that cancer cells perform similar feats in escaping the killing effects of radiation.

18 May 2020

Coronavirus attacking microRNA numbers reduce with age

A group of tiny RNA that should attack the virus causing COVID-19 when it tries to infect the body are diminished with age and chronic health problems, a decrease that likely helps explain why older individuals and those with preexisting medical conditions are vulnerable populations, investigators report.

14 May 2020

Geneticists Revealed New Potential Causes Of Female Infertility

Over the last six years, a group of geneticists has studied genes associated primarily with female hormone synthesis and ovarian follicle development.

7 May 2020