Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
Adv Nutr. 2021 Feb 1;12(1):197-211. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmaa095.
microRNAs (miRNAs) are well known as major players in mammalian and plant genetic systems that act by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These tiny molecules can regulate target genes (mRNAs) through either cleavage or translational inhibition. Recently, the discovery of plant-derived miRNAs showing cross-kingdom abilities to regulate mammalian gene expression has prompted exciting discussions among researchers. After being acquired orally through the diet, plant miRNAs can survive in the digestive tract, enter the circulatory system, and regulate endogenous mRNAs. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the cross-kingdom mechanisms of plant miRNAs, related controversies, and potential applications of these miRNAs in dietary therapy, which will provide new insights for plant miRNA investigations related to health issues in humans.
microRNAs (miRNAs) 是哺乳动物和植物遗传系统中的主要调控因子，通过在转录后水平调节基因表达发挥作用。这些微小的分子可以通过切割或翻译抑制来调节靶基因 (mRNA)。最近，发现植物来源的 miRNAs 具有跨物种调节哺乳动物基因表达的能力，这在研究人员中引发了热烈的讨论。植物 miRNAs 通过饮食被摄入后，可以在消化道中存活，进入循环系统，并调节内源性 mRNA。在这里，我们综述了关于植物 miRNAs 的跨物种作用机制、相关争议以及这些 miRNAs 在饮食治疗中的潜在应用的最新知识，这将为与人类健康问题相关的植物 miRNA 研究提供新的见解。
