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©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2009; 15(45): 5633-5640
Published online Dec 7, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.5633
Published online Dec 7, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.5633
Emerging role of microRNAs in liver diseases
Shashi Bala, Miguel Marcos, Gyongyi Szabo, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
Author contributions: Szabo G and Bala S contributed to manuscript conception and design; Szabo G, Bala S and Marcos M carried out the literature research, manuscript preparation and manuscript review.
Supported by NIH Grant AA011576-10A1 to Gyongyi Szabo and an Alfonso Martin Escudero Foundation Scholarship to Miguel Marcos
Correspondence to: Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, LRB 215, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, United States. gyongyi.szabo@umassmed.edu
Telephone: +1-508-8565275 Fax: +1-508-8564770
Received: September 3, 2009
Revised: October 28, 2009
Accepted: November 4, 2009
Published online: December 7, 2009
Revised: October 28, 2009
Accepted: November 4, 2009
Published online: December 7, 2009
Abstract
MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are found in plants, animals, and some viruses. They modulate the gene function at the post-transcriptional level and act as a fine tuner of various processes, such as development, proliferation, cell signaling, and apoptosis. They are associated with different types and stages of cancer. Recent studies have shown the involvement of microRNAs in liver diseases caused by various factors, such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, metabolic disorders, and by drug abuse. This review highlights the role of microRNAs in liver diseases and their potential use as therapeutic molecules.
Keywords: MicroRNA; Hepatitis; Fatty liver; Fibrosis; Cirrhosis