MicroRNA Regulation in Human Health and Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

MicroRNAs are a class of non-coding small RNAs, approximately 19–22 nucleotides in length, that functionally target mRNA via a small seed sequence to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. They play a fundamental role in major cellular functions such as development, differentiation, growth, and metabolism. To date, over 2000 microRNA species have been identified, and our knowledge of their biological functions, biogenesis, and targeting has grown exponentially. In addition to their role in normal biological processes, microRNAs have been linked to the development of numerous diseases, ranging from metabolic and inflammatory diseases to malignancy. More recently, microRNAs have been shown to be present in biofluids, where they are protected from RNase-mediated degradation by encapsulation into extracellular vesicles (EVs), or through binding to protective proteins. This has paved the way for the intense exploration of their potential as circulatory biomarkers and novel therapeutics or drug delivery vehicles. However, despite intense research, many questions remain the focus of investigation, including but not limited to the following:

• Mechanisms of microRNA action during pathological processes and disease;
• MicroRNA-based therapeutics, delivery systems and their clinical application;
• MicroRNA biomarkers, including circulatory microRNAs;
• The role of microRNAs in cell-to-cell communication;
• The extracellular function of microRNAs in both health and disease;
• MicroRNA signalling pathways;
• MicroRNA target identification.

Dr. Rachel E. Crossland
Guest Editor

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• microRNA
• biomarkers
• extracellular vesicle
• intercellular communication
• signalling
• therapeutics