Pathogenic microRNA

Pathogenic microRNA refers to any microRNA molecule, either host-derived or pathogen-derived, whose altered expression or activity contributes to the development or progression of disease. These miRNAs may promote oncogenesis (as oncomiRs), viral replication, immune evasion, or pathological inflammation by post-transcriptionally regulating target genes involved in cell survival, immune response, and signaling pathways. Examples include viral miRNAs (from herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, etc.) that suppress host immune genes, or dysregulated host miRNAs in cancer and autoimmune disease. Because the term applies to a functional group rather than a discrete entity, therapeutic targeting is done at the level of specific miRNAs, employing antisense oligonucleotides, miRNA mimics, and other molecular inhibitors.

Other names

Pathogenic miRNAdisease-associated miRNAviral miRNAoncomiRpathogenic non-coding RNA

Drugs that modulate pathogenic miRNA typically act by: Antagonizing (blocking) disease-associated miRNAs (antagomirs); Restoring or mimicking tumor suppressor miRNAs; Modulating miRNA maturation or stability