Insight into microRNAs’ involvement in hematopoiesis: current standing point of findings

Abstract

Hematopoiesis is a complex process in which hematopoietic stem cells are differentiated into all mature blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Different microRNAs (miRNAs) involve in several steps of this process. Indeed, miRNAs are small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules, which control gene expression by translational inhibition and mRNA destabilization. Previous studies have revealed that increased or decreased expression of some of these miRNAs by targeting several proto-oncogenes could inhibit or stimulate the myeloid and erythroid lineage commitment, proliferation, and differentiation. During the last decades, the development of molecular and bioinformatics techniques has led to a comprehensive understanding of the role of various miRNAs in hematopoiesis. The critical roles of miRNAs in cell processes such as the cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation have been confirmed as well. However, the main contribution of some miRNAs is still unclear. Therefore, it seems undeniable that future studies are required to focus on miRNA activities during various hematopoietic stages and hematological malignancy.

Nuclear miRNAs: gene regulation activities

“…Many studies have related the differential expression and activity of miRNAs with the regulation of hematopoietic differentiation [66][67][68][69][70]. In particular, differentiation factors, cell cycle regulators or transcription factors that are involved in hemopoiesis appear to be targets of miRNAs.…”

Nuclear miRNAs: Gene Regulation Activities

“…Many studies have related the differential expression and activity of miRNAs with the regulation of hematopoietic differentiation and leukemic transformation [ 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 ]. In particular, differentiation factors, cell cycle regulators or transcription factors that are involved in hemopoiesis appear to be targets of miRNAs.…”