Anti-aging & Regenerative Medicine Research Institute, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, China.
Mol Biol Rep. 2024 Oct 8;51(1):1045. doi: 10.1007/s11033-024-09977-6.
Stem cells and regenerative medicine have recently become important research topics. However, the complex stem cell regulatory networks involved in various microRNA (miRNA)-mediated mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Planarians are ideal animal models for studying stem cells owing to their rich stem cell populations (neoblasts) and extremely strong regeneration capacity. The roles of planarian miRNAs in stem cells and regeneration have long attracted attention. However, previous studies have generally provided simple datasets lacking integrative analysis. Here, we have summarized the miRNA family reported in planarians and highlighted conservation in both sequence and function. Furthermore, we summarized miRNA data related to planarian stem cells and regeneration and screened potential involved candidates. Nevertheless, the roles of these miRNAs in planarian regeneration and stem cells remain unclear. The identification of potential stem cell-related miRNAs offers more precise suggestions and references for future investigations of miRNAs in planarians. Furthermore, it provides potential research avenues for understanding the mechanisms of stem cell regulatory networks. Finally, we compiled a summary of the experimental methods employed for studying planarian miRNAs, with the aim of highlighting special considerations in certain procedures and providing more convenient technical support for future research endeavors.
干细胞和再生医学最近成为了重要的研究课题。然而,涉及各种 microRNA(miRNA)介导机制的复杂干细胞调控网络尚未被完全阐明。涡虫是研究干细胞的理想动物模型,因为它们具有丰富的干细胞群体(neoblasts)和极强的再生能力。涡虫 miRNAs 在干细胞和再生中的作用长期以来一直受到关注。然而,以前的研究通常提供缺乏综合分析的简单数据集。在这里,我们总结了报道的涡虫 miRNA 家族,并强调了序列和功能的保守性。此外,我们总结了与涡虫干细胞和再生相关的 miRNA 数据,并筛选了潜在的相关候选物。然而,这些 miRNA 在涡虫再生和干细胞中的作用仍不清楚。鉴定潜在的与干细胞相关的 miRNA 为未来研究 miRNA 提供了更精确的建议和参考,有助于理解干细胞调控网络的机制。最后,我们总结了研究涡虫 miRNAs 所采用的实验方法,旨在突出某些程序中的特殊考虑因素,并为未来的研究工作提供更方便的技术支持。