27th May 2009.
It has been recently discovered that short, noncoding RNAs are able to used to regulate important processes in the human body. For example, miRNA-375, which is present in the pancreas. Without this molecule, the beta cells in the pancreas degenerate, resulting in Diabetes.
MicroRNA was only discovered 10 years ago and research into the subject has revealed many new biological mechanisms. These RNA sequences can regulate as many as 100 genes at a time. They are found in specific cells and tissues - this fact has caused various pharmaceutical industries to conduct research using these RNA strands in the treatment of metabolic diseases and cancer.
miRNA-375 is highly concentrated in the beta cells of the pancreas. Beta cells play an important role in the regulation and control of glucose levels in the blood, as they produce the hormone insulin. Without insulin, the blood glucose levels rise and, if left untreated, the person becomes severely unwell. Without miRNA-375, the beta cells cannot grow and divide and therefore die. This leads to an overall decrease in the number of beta cells, which reduces or even completely stops the production of insulin, leading to Diabetes.
Because of their ability to regulate genes, if it were possible to influence the action of microRNA it could be possible to manipulate cells and organs to modify the development of certain conditions and diseases. The short RNA strands can be inactivated in a specific way, by a product called an Antagomir. These antagomirs can be produced synthetically and bind perfectly to the corresponding microRNA, destroying them in an efficient manner.
It is expected that this new information and the related scientific methods will be used to prevent or treat many types of medical conditions and diseases in the future.
link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090425203534.htm
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