Martínez-Campos Cecilia, Lanz-Mendoza Humberto, Cime-Castillo Jorge A, Peralta-Zaragoza Óscar, Madrid-Marina Vicente
National Institute of Genomic Medicine (Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, INMEGEN), Periférico Sur 4809, Ciudad de México 14610, Mexico.
Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health (Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, INSP), Universidad 655, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico.
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 May 22;26(11):4964. doi: 10.3390/ijms26114964.
This review examines the evolutionary trajectory and functional versatility of RNA, beginning with its proposed involvement in the origin of life and culminating in its current application in therapeutic strategies. We explored the complexity of the transcriptome, splicing mechanisms, and the regulatory functions of non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs. The processes underlying microRNA biogenesis and activity are discussed in the context of their potential as therapeutic tools. Advances in RNA-based technologies have been further illustrated by the development of mRNA vaccines, representing a significant breakthrough in biomedical innovation. Additionally, we explored the growing field of epitranscriptomics-chemical modifications to RNA that modulate its stability, translation, and function-by analyzing the roles of modification enzymes known as writers, erasers, and readers. Focus is given to how these alterations influence immune reactions and guide the strategic development of future modified mRNA vaccines. Collectively, these advances underscore RNA's multifaceted roles and its transformative potential in the biological and medical sciences.
本综述探讨了RNA的进化轨迹和功能多样性，从其被认为参与生命起源开始，直至其目前在治疗策略中的应用。我们研究了转录组的复杂性、剪接机制以及非编码RNA（尤其是微小RNA）的调控功能。在微小RNA作为治疗工具的潜力背景下，讨论了其生物发生和活性的潜在过程。基于RNA的技术进展通过mRNA疫苗的开发得到了进一步说明，这代表了生物医学创新的重大突破。此外，我们通过分析被称为“书写者”“擦除者”和“阅读者”的修饰酶的作用，探讨了新兴的表观转录组学领域——对RNA进行化学修饰以调节其稳定性、翻译和功能。重点关注这些改变如何影响免疫反应以及指导未来修饰mRNA疫苗的战略发展。总体而言，这些进展凸显了RNA在生物和医学科学中的多方面作用及其变革潜力。
