MicroRNAs in organ fibrosis: From molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic targets

Pathol Res Pract. 2021 Aug 13;225:153588. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153588. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTFibrosis is caused by chronic tissue injury and characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that ultimately results in organ failure and death. Owing to lacking of effective treatment against tissue fibrosis, it causes a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thus, it is of great importance to find an effective therapy strategy for the treatment of fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in many biological processes by targeting downstream genes. Numerous studies demonstrated that miRNAs served as biomarkers of various diseases, suggesting the potential therapeutic targets for diseases. It was recently reported that miRNAs played an important role in the development of organ fibrosis, which showed a promising prospect against fibrosis by targeting intervention. Here, we summarize the roles of miRNAs in the process of organ fibrosis, including liver, lung, heart and kidney, and highlight miRNAs being novel therapeutic targets for organ fibrosis.PMID:34419718 | DOI:10.1016/j.prp.2021.153588
Source: Pathology, Research and Practice - Category: Pathology Authors: Source Type: research