Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
Can Vet J. 2020 Aug;61(8):845-852.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting translation or inducing transcript degradation. MiRNAs act as fine-tuning factors that affect the expression of up to 60% of all mammalian protein coding genes. In contrast to proteins, there is widespread conservation of miRNA sequences across species. This conservation strongly suggests that miRNAs appeared early in evolution and have retained their functional importance. Cross-species conservation provides advantages when compiling candidate markers for health and disease compared to protein-based discoveries. This broad utility is accompanied by the emergence of inexpensive sequencing protocols for the identification of all RNAs in a sample (including miRNAs). With the use of miRNA mimics and antagonists, unique research questions can be answered in biological systems with 'cause and effect' methodology. MiRNAs are readily detectable in blood making them attractive candidates as biomarkers for disease. Here, we review their utility as biomarkers and their potential as therapeutic agents or targets to combat disease.
微小 RNA（miRNAs）是一类小型非编码 RNA，通过抑制翻译或诱导转录物降解来调节基因表达。miRNAs 作为精细调节因子，影响多达 60%的哺乳动物蛋白编码基因的表达。与蛋白质不同，miRNA 序列在物种间广泛保守。这种保守性强烈表明，miRNAs 在进化早期出现，并保持了其功能重要性。与基于蛋白质的发现相比，在为健康和疾病编制候选标志物时，跨物种的保守性具有优势。这种广泛的用途伴随着用于鉴定样本中所有 RNA（包括 miRNAs）的廉价测序方案的出现。通过使用 miRNA 模拟物和拮抗剂，可以在具有“因果”方法的生物系统中回答独特的研究问题。miRNAs 在血液中很容易被检测到，因此它们作为疾病生物标志物很有吸引力。在这里，我们回顾了它们作为生物标志物的用途及其作为治疗剂或靶点对抗疾病的潜力。
