Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that represent the foundation of gene expression modulation, thereby controlling numerous biological processes. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of miRNAs in relation to human health by focusing on their regulation of cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The dysregulation of miRNA expression has been associated with a variety of diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease, highlighting their importance as biomarkers and as possible therapeutic targets. This review discusses the mechanism through which miRNAs influence gene networks, their role in post-transcriptional regulation, and how they target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Moreover, the therapeutic potential of miRNAs is elaborated, with considerations of miRNA replacement and inhibition approaches from a clinical perspective. Advances in miRNA therapies, including the development of nanocarriers for site-specific delivery, contribute to the progress of future treatment modalities.
Lastly, this review highlights the need to understand miRNA biology for the determination of disease mechanisms as well as the design of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. With their diverse functions, a deeper understanding of miRNAs not only enhances our knowledge of molecular biology but also has the potential for breakthroughs in precision medicine.
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