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MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 16162

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemical Science, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Interests: stem cells; cell senescence; stem cell differentiation; adipogenesis; osteogenesis; cardiogenesis; conditioned media; nutraceuticals; gene expression; epigenetics; cellular mechanisms; cell-based therapies
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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
Interests: stem cells; cell senescence; stem cell differentiation; gene expression; epigenetics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

MicroRNAs are involved in cellular processes such as differentiation, growth, and apoptosis. Stem cells have peculiar properties such as differentiation and self-renewal, which can be strongly influenced by epigenetic changes. Notably, miRNAs are able to fine-tune stem cell behavior by suppressing the translation of many target mRNAs, thus inducing fluctuations in gene expression and protein translation. Two large miRNA families (i.e., the miR-200 and the miR-302 families) are pluripotent activators that are able to modulate pluripotent genes. These two miRNA families can be down-regulated by the activation of TGF-β, which is itself directly modulated by both miR-200 and miR-302, and consequently involved in cell differentiation and reprogramming. Unraveling epigenetic factors and their role in influencing pluripotency and stem cell differentiation capabilities could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine. This Special Issue, “MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0”, of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, will include a selection of research papers and reviews about various aspects of the molecular regulation of stem cell behavior and cellular phenotype by miRNA. In addition, clinical studies evaluating miRNA and stem cells in regenerative medicine are suitable for submission to this Special Issue.

Prof. Margherita Maioli
Dr. Sara Cruciani
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • miRNA
  • Epigenetic
  • Stem cells
  • Pluripotency
  • Stem cell differentiation
  • Gene expression
  • New therapeutic targets
  • Abnormal cell growth
  • Neuroscience

Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Review

20 pages, 1006 KiB  
Review
Stem Cells for Cancer Therapy: Translating the Uncertainties and Possibilities of Stem Cell Properties into Opportunities for Effective Cancer Therapy
by Ahmed Faris Aldoghachi, Zhi Xiong Chong, Swee Keong Yeap, Soon Keng Cheong, Wan Yong Ho and Alan Han Kiat Ong
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1012; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms24021012 - 05 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2910
Abstract
Cancer recurrence and drug resistance following treatment, as well as metastatic forms of cancer, are trends that are commonly encountered in cancer management. Amidst the growing popularity of personalized medicine and targeted therapy as effective cancer treatment, studies involving the use of stem [...] Read more.
Cancer recurrence and drug resistance following treatment, as well as metastatic forms of cancer, are trends that are commonly encountered in cancer management. Amidst the growing popularity of personalized medicine and targeted therapy as effective cancer treatment, studies involving the use of stem cells in cancer therapy are gaining ground as promising translational treatment options that are actively pursued by researchers due to their unique tumor-homing activities and anti-cancer properties. Therefore, this review will highlight cancer interactions with commonly studied stem cell types, namely, mesenchymal stroma/stem cells (MSC), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), iPSC-derived MSC (iMSC), and cancer stem cells (CSC). A particular focus will be on the effects of paracrine signaling activities and exosomal miRNA interaction released by MSC and iMSCs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) along with their therapeutic potential as anti-cancer delivery agents. Similarly, the role of exosomal miRNA released by CSCs will be further discussed in the context of its role in cancer recurrence and metastatic spread, which leads to a better understanding of how such exosomal miRNA could be used as potential forms of non-cell-based cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0)
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18 pages, 1435 KiB  
Review
MicroRNAs, Stem Cells in Bipolar Disorder, and Lithium Therapeutic Approach
by Donatella Coradduzza, Giuseppe Garroni, Antonella Congiargiu, Francesca Balzano, Sara Cruciani, Stefania Sedda, Alessandra Nivoli and Margherita Maioli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10489; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms231810489 - 10 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2732
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, chronic, and disabling neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent mood disturbances (mania/hypomania and depression, with or without mixed features) and a constellation of cognitive, psychomotor, autonomic, and endocrine abnormalities. The etiology of BD is multifactorial, including both biological [...] Read more.
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, chronic, and disabling neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent mood disturbances (mania/hypomania and depression, with or without mixed features) and a constellation of cognitive, psychomotor, autonomic, and endocrine abnormalities. The etiology of BD is multifactorial, including both biological and epigenetic factors. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of epigenetic regulators of gene expression playing a central role in brain development and plasticity, have been related to several neuropsychiatric disorders, including BD. Moreover, an alteration in the number/distribution and differentiation potential of neural stem cells has also been described, significantly affecting brain homeostasis and neuroplasticity. This review aimed to evaluate the most reliable scientific evidence on miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of BD and assess their implications in response to mood stabilizers, such as lithium. Neural stem cell distribution, regulation, and dysfunction in the etiology of BD are also dissected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0)
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30 pages, 1025 KiB  
Review
Role of Nano-miRNAs in Diagnostics and Therapeutics
by Donatella Coradduzza, Emanuela Bellu, Antonella Congiargiu, Aleksei Pashchenko, Evzen Amler, Alois Necas, Ciriaco Carru, Serenella Medici and Margherita Maioli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(12), 6836; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23126836 - 20 Jun 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2607
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are key regulators of gene expression, controlling different biological processes such as cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. The relationships between miRNA expression and the onset and progression of different diseases, such as tumours, cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, and neurological [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are key regulators of gene expression, controlling different biological processes such as cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. The relationships between miRNA expression and the onset and progression of different diseases, such as tumours, cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, and neurological disorders, are well known. A nanotechnology-based approach could match miRNA delivery and detection to move beyond the proof-of-concept stage. Different kinds of nanotechnologies can have a major impact on the diagnosis and treatment of miRNA-related diseases such as cancer. Developing novel methodologies aimed at clinical practice represents a big challenge for the early diagnosis of specific diseases. Within this context, nanotechnology represents a wide emerging area at the forefront of research over the last two decades, whose potential has yet to be fully attained. Nanomedicine, derived from nanotechnology, can exploit the unique properties of nanometer-sized particles for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Through nanomedicine, specific treatment to counteract only cancer-cell proliferation will be improved, while leaving healthy cells intact. In this review, we dissect the properties of different nanocarriers and their roles in the early detection and treatment of cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0)
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17 pages, 1142 KiB  
Review
How miRNAs Regulate Schwann Cells during Peripheral Nerve Regeneration—A Systemic Review
by Anton Borger, Sarah Stadlmayr, Maximilian Haertinger, Lorenz Semmler, Paul Supper, Flavia Millesi and Christine Radtke
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(7), 3440; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23073440 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3595
Abstract
A growing body of studies indicate that small noncoding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNA), play a crucial role in response to peripheral nerve injuries. During Wallerian degeneration and regeneration processes, they orchestrate several pathways, in particular the MAPK, AKT, and EGR2 (KROX20) pathways. Certain [...] Read more.
A growing body of studies indicate that small noncoding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNA), play a crucial role in response to peripheral nerve injuries. During Wallerian degeneration and regeneration processes, they orchestrate several pathways, in particular the MAPK, AKT, and EGR2 (KROX20) pathways. Certain miRNAs show specific expression profiles upon a nerve lesion correlating with the subsequent nerve regeneration stages such as dedifferentiation and with migration of Schwann cells, uptake of debris, neurite outgrowth and finally remyelination of regenerated axons. This review highlights (a) the specific expression profiles of miRNAs upon a nerve lesion and (b) how miRNAs regulate nerve regeneration by acting on distinct pathways and linked proteins. Shedding light on the role of miRNAs associated with peripheral nerve regeneration will help researchers to better understand the molecular mechanisms and deliver targets for precision medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0)
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17 pages, 1690 KiB  
Review
Role of miRNA-145, 148, and 185 and Stem Cells in Prostate Cancer
by Donatella Coradduzza, Sara Cruciani, Caterina Arru, Giuseppe Garroni, Aleksei Pashchenko, Mosab Jedea, Silvia Zappavigna, Michele Caraglia, Evzen Amler, Ciriaco Carru and Margherita Maioli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1626; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23031626 - 30 Jan 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3469
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a role in cancer linked to the regulation of important cellular processes and pathways involving tumorigenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. A lot of human miRNA sequences have been identified which are linked to [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a role in cancer linked to the regulation of important cellular processes and pathways involving tumorigenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. A lot of human miRNA sequences have been identified which are linked to cancer pathogenesis. MicroRNAs, in prostate cancer (PC), play a relevant role as biomarkers, show a specific profile, and have been used as therapeutic targets. Prostate cancer (PC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. Clinical diagnoses among the gold standards for PC diagnosis and monitoring are prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal examination, and prostate needle biopsies. PSA screening still has a large grey area of patients, which leads to overdiagnosis. Therefore, new biomarkers are needed to improve existing diagnostic tools. The miRNA expression profiles from tumour versus normal tissues are helpful and exhibit significant differences not only between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues, but also between different cancer types and subtypes. In this review, we focus on the role of miRNAs-145, 148, and 185 and their correlation with stem cells in prostate cancer pathogenesis. MiR-145, by modulating multiple oncogenes, regulates different cellular processes in PC, which are involved in the transition from localised to metastatic disease. MiR-148 is downregulated in high-grade tumours, suggesting that the miR-148-3 family might act as tumour suppressors in PC as a potential biomarker for detecting this disease. MiR-185 regulation is still unclear in being able to regulate tumour processes in PC. Nevertheless, other authors confirm the role of this miRNA as a tumour suppressor, suggesting its potential use as a suitable biomarker in disease prognosis. These three miRNAs are all involved in the regulation of prostate cancer stem cell behaviour (PCSCs). Within this contest, PCSCs are often involved in the onset of chemo-resistance in PC, therefore strategies for targeting this subset of cells are strongly required to control the disease. Hence, the relationship between these two players is interesting and important in prostate cancer pathogenesis and in PCSC stemness regulation, in the attempt to pave the way for novel therapeutic targets in prostate cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0)
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