Role of Microrna-7 in Liver Diseases: A Comprehensive Review of the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Han, Sen; Zhang, Ting; Kusumanchi, Praveen; Huda, Nazmul; Jiang, Yanchao; Liangpunsakul, Suthat; Yang, Zhihong
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine. Volume 68:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 1208
• Page End: 1216
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: liver diseases; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine; Research -- United States; Clinical medicine; Medicine -- Research; Periodicals; 616.075
• DOI: 10.1136/jim-2020-001420
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1081-5589

Abstract

MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) is a small non-coding RNA, which plays critical roles in regulating gene expression of multiple key cellular processes. MiR-7 exhibits a tissue-specific pattern of expression, with abundant levels found in the brain, spleen, and pancreas. Although it is expressed at lower levels in other tissues, including the liver, miR-7 is involved in both the development of organs and biological functions of cells. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms by which miR-7 controls cell growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, metabolism, and inflammation. We also summarize the specific roles of miR-7 in liver diseases. MiR-7 is considered as a tumor suppressor miRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma and is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and hepatitis. Future studies to further define miR-7 functions and its mechanism in association with other types of liver diseases should be explored. An improved understanding from these studies will provide us a useful perspective leading to mechanism-based intervention by targeting miR-7 for the treatment of liver diseases.