MicroRNA therapeutics: a new niche for antisense nucleic acids

Trends Mol Med. 2006 Mar;12(3):99-101. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2006.01.004. Epub 2006 Feb 10.

Abstract

MicroRNA molecules (miRNAs) are naturally occurring triggers of the RNA-interference pathway. The first identified miRNA, lin-4, was discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans >20 years ago. What began as a curiosity in this model organism has expanded into almost every area of biology; there are now 326 confirmed miRNA genes in humans and the total is predicted to reach 1000. Each miRNA has the potential to regulate hundreds of mRNAs; therefore, there are likely to be few biological pathways not impacted by miRNA regulation. Recent evidence has suggested that miRNAs might be viable therapeutic targets for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. A recent article by Stoffel and colleagues has demonstrated remarkably effective inhibition of miRNAs in vivo, thus providing an entry point into the promising new arena of miRNA therapeutics.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs* / therapeutic use
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Oligonucleotides, Antisense