Received 25 March 2024; Received in revised form 6 August 2024; Accepted 1 September 2024 | Sara Nunes, Rana Bastos, Ananda Isis Marinho, Raissa Vieira, Ingra Benício, Maria Alicia de Noronha, Sofia Lírio, Cláudia Brodskyn, Natalia Machado Tavares
This review article explores the recent advances in the development and clinical application of microRNAs (miRNAs) in infectious diseases. MiRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, play crucial roles in gene expression regulation and have emerged as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The article discusses the biogenesis of miRNAs, their mechanisms of action, and their potential in diagnosing and treating various infectious diseases.
Key findings include:
- MiRNAs can distinguish between healthy individuals and patients with infectious diseases, as well as different disease stages.
- MiRNAs are detectable in biological fluids such as serum and whole blood, making them feasible for non-invasive diagnostic tools.
- Clinical trials have shown promising results in using miRNAs as therapeutic targets, such as Miravirsen for hepatitis C and MRX34 for advanced solid tumors.
- MiRNAs are involved in regulating critical processes like phagosome maturation and autophagy, which are essential for controlling the spread of pathogens.
- Specific miRNAs have been identified in tuberculosis, leprosy, malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and COVID-19, with potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
- MiRNA-based tools have shown effectiveness, stability, and safety in treating diseases, and their potential as biomarkers is highlighted.
The article also reviews different platforms for analyzing miRNAs, including computational tools like TargetScan, DIANA-microT, miRDB, and miRWalk, which are used to predict miRNA targets and canonical pathways. These platforms are essential for understanding the biological processes influenced by miRNAs and for developing targeted therapies.This review article explores the recent advances in the development and clinical application of microRNAs (miRNAs) in infectious diseases. MiRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, play crucial roles in gene expression regulation and have emerged as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The article discusses the biogenesis of miRNAs, their mechanisms of action, and their potential in diagnosing and treating various infectious diseases.
Key findings include:
- MiRNAs can distinguish between healthy individuals and patients with infectious diseases, as well as different disease stages.
- MiRNAs are detectable in biological fluids such as serum and whole blood, making them feasible for non-invasive diagnostic tools.
- Clinical trials have shown promising results in using miRNAs as therapeutic targets, such as Miravirsen for hepatitis C and MRX34 for advanced solid tumors.
- MiRNAs are involved in regulating critical processes like phagosome maturation and autophagy, which are essential for controlling the spread of pathogens.
- Specific miRNAs have been identified in tuberculosis, leprosy, malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and COVID-19, with potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
- MiRNA-based tools have shown effectiveness, stability, and safety in treating diseases, and their potential as biomarkers is highlighted.
The article also reviews different platforms for analyzing miRNAs, including computational tools like TargetScan, DIANA-microT, miRDB, and miRWalk, which are used to predict miRNA targets and canonical pathways. These platforms are essential for understanding the biological processes influenced by miRNAs and for developing targeted therapies.