Tackling Aging by Using miRNA as a Target and a Tool

Wing-Fu Lai; Marie Lin; Wing-Tak Wong

doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2019.04.007

Tackling Aging by Using miRNA as a Target and a Tool

Trends Mol Med. 2019 Aug;25(8):673-684. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.04.007. Epub 2019 May 21.

Authors

Wing-Fu Lai¹, Marie Lin², Wing-Tak Wong³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China. Electronic address: rori0610@graduate.hku.hk.
² Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
³ Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.

PMID: 31126873
DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.04.007

Abstract

miRNA is a class of short noncoding RNA that regulates gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Evidence of age-associated changes in miRNA expression has been collected in models ranging from nematodes to humans; however, there has been little discussion of how to turn our knowledge of miRNA biology into antiaging therapy. This opinion article provides a snapshot of our current understanding of the roles of miRNA in modulating the aging process. We discuss major chemical techniques for modifying the miRNA structure as well as developing delivery systems for intervention. Finally, technical needs to be met for bench-to-clinic translation of miRNA-based interventions are highlighted for future research.

Keywords: aging; cellular senescence; gene delivery; genetic manipulation; miRNA.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Aging / genetics*
Animals
Cellular Senescence / genetics
Gene Expression Regulation*
Genetic Therapy
Humans
MicroRNAs / genetics*
Molecular Targeted Therapy
RNA Interference*
Translational Research, Biomedical

Substances

MicroRNAs