Unraveling the Role of MicroRNAs and Noncoding RNAs in Epigenetics and Human Diseases
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 17, 2025 2 hours, 19 minutes ago
Medical News: Scientists Reveal How Noncoding RNAs Influence Disease Development
Researchers from the Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies at the University of Palermo-Italy have made significant discoveries about the role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in human health and disease. Their study sheds new light on how these molecules, once considered mere byproducts of genetic transcription, play essential roles in regulating gene activity and chromatin structure.
Unraveling the Role of MicroRNAs and Noncoding RNAs in Epigenetics and Human Diseases
The Growing Importance of Noncoding RNAs in Epigenetics
In recent years, scientists have realized that much of the RNA produced by human cells does not encode proteins. Instead, these ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), function as powerful regulators of gene expression. This
Medical News report highlights how these ncRNAs impact chromatin structure and influence various cellular functions that can determine whether a person remains healthy or develops diseases such as cancer.
The study explores how ncRNAs regulate gene expression at the epigenetic level. Unlike genetic mutations, which change the DNA sequence, epigenetic regulation alters how genes are expressed without modifying the underlying genetic code. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling are some of the key mechanisms involved, and ncRNAs have now been found to be central players in these processes.
How MicroRNAs and Long Noncoding RNAs Shape Gene Expression
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate genes by binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and preventing them from being translated into proteins. By controlling which proteins are made and in what quantities, miRNAs influence cell growth, differentiation, and responses to stress.
The study found that specific miRNAs target genes involved in chromatin regulation, affecting how tightly DNA is packed and how accessible it is to the cell's transcription machinery. For example, miRNAs can suppress enzymes that modify histones, which are proteins around which DNA is wrapped. This means that miRNAs can act as genetic "switches," turning genes on or off based on the needs of the cell.
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), on the other hand, are much larger than miRNAs and have a broader range of functions. They interact directly with chromatin, acting as scaffolds that help assemble protein complexes involved in gene regulation. Some lncRNAs guide enzymes to specific locations on the genome, ensuring that modifications occur precisely where they are needed. Others act as molecular "sponges," soaking up excess miRNAs to fine-tune gene activity.
Implications for Disease and Future Therapies
The researchers found that disruptions in ncRNA functions are linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. In ca
ncer, for example, abnormal miRNA activity can lead to the overexpression of oncogenes or the suppression of tumor-suppressor genes. Similarly, misregulated lncRNAs can contribute to unchecked cell proliferation and tumor growth.
The study also explored how ncRNAs could be targeted for therapeutic interventions. Strategies such as RNA interference (RNAi), antisense oligonucleotides, and CRISPR-based gene editing have shown promise in modifying ncRNA activity. However, challenges remain, including ensuring targeted delivery to the right cells and minimizing off-target effects.
The Future of Epigenetic Research
As scientists continue to decode the complex roles of ncRNAs in epigenetics, new opportunities for medical breakthroughs emerge. Understanding how these molecules regulate gene expression and chromatin structure opens doors to innovative treatments for a wide range of diseases. While much work is still needed to translate these findings into clinical therapies, the study provides a crucial foundation for future research in precision medicine and epigenetic drug development.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Biomedicines.
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/3/725
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