MicroRNAs, transforming growth factor beta‐1, and tissue fibrosis

T Bowen, RH Jenkins, DJ Fraser - The Journal of pathology, 2013 - Wiley Online Library
T Bowen, RH Jenkins, DJ Fraser
The Journal of pathology, 2013Wiley Online Library
MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNA regulators that repress synthesis of their targets post‐
transcriptionally. On average, each microRNA is estimated to regulate several hundred
protein‐coding genes, and about 60% of proteins are thought to be regulated by microRNAs
in total. A subset of these genes, including the key profibrotic cytokine transforming growth
factor beta‐1 (TGF‐β1), exhibits particularly strong levels of post‐transcriptional control of
protein synthesis, involving microRNAs and other mechanisms. Changes in microRNA …
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNA regulators that repress synthesis of their targets post‐transcriptionally. On average, each microRNA is estimated to regulate several hundred protein‐coding genes, and about 60% of proteins are thought to be regulated by microRNAs in total. A subset of these genes, including the key profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGF‐β1), exhibits particularly strong levels of post‐transcriptional control of protein synthesis, involving microRNAs and other mechanisms. Changes in microRNA expression pattern are linked to profound effects on cell phenotype, and microRNAs have an emerging role in diverse physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we provide an overview of microRNA biology with a focus on their emerging role in diseases typified by organ fibrosis.
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