3-Econsystems: MicroRNAs, Receptors, and Latent Viruses; Some Insights Biology Can Gain from Economic Theory

Abstract

This mini-review describes three biological systems. All three include competing molecules and a limiting molecule that binds the competing molecules. Such systems are extensively researched by economists. In fact, the issue of limited resources is the defining feature of economic systems. Therefore, we call these systems “econsystems.” In an econsystem, the allocation of the limiting molecule between the competing molecules determines the behavior of the system. A cell is an example of an econsystem. Therefore, a change in the allocation of a limiting molecule as a result of, for instance, an abnormal change in the concentration of one of the competing molecules, may result in abnormal cellular behavior, and disease. The first econsystem described in this mini-review includes a long non-coding RNA and a messenger RNA (lncRNA and mRNA). The limiting molecule is a microRNA (miRNA). The lncRNA and mRNA are known as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). The second econsystem includes two receptors, and the limiting molecule is a ligand. The third econsystem includes a cis-regulatory element of a latent virus and that of a human gene. The limiting molecule is a transcription complex that binds both cis-elements.

Copy number of latent viruses, oncogenicity, and the microcompetition model

“…The results of these experiments, and the conclusions by Zuo et al, are consistent with the Microcompetition Model first described in the book entitled ‘Microcompetition with Foreign DNA and the Origin of Chronic Disease’ [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Clinical study of Gene‐Eden‐VIR/Novirin in genital herpes: suppressive treatment safely decreases the duration of outbreaks in both severe and mild cases

“…Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin is a patented botanical product that consists of five natural ingredients: quercetin 100 mg, green tea extract 150 mg, cinnamon extract 50 mg, selenium 100 mcg, and licorice extract 25 mg. Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin was developed to target latent viruses including HSV, HPV, CMV and EBV, and diminish their deleterious effect on the host, as explained by the Microcompetition theory [ 19 – 21 ].…”

How latent viruses cause breast cancer: An explanation based on the microcompetition model

“…The decrease in BRCA1 protein levels increases the infected cell proliferation, which leads to the development of breast cancer (Figure 1) [2]. This explanation is based on the Microcompetition Model, first described in the book "Microcompetition with Foreign DNA and the Origin of Chronic Disease" , and subsequent papers [38,39].…”