The role and mechanisms of miRNA in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

Abstract

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most significant causes of neonatal mortality, is a disease of acute intestinal inflammation. At present, it is not clear exactly how the disease is caused, but it has been suggested that this disorder is a result of a complex interaction among prematurity, enteral feeding and inappropriate pro-inflammation response and bacterial infection of the intestine. A microRNA (miRNA) is a class of endogenous non-coding single-stranded RNA that is about 23 nucleotides long engaging in the regulation of the gene expression. Recently, numerous studies have determined that abnormal miRNA expression plays important roles in various diseases, including NEC. Here, we summarized the role of miRNAs in NEC. We introduce the biosynthetic and function of miRNAs and then describe the possible mechanisms of miRNAs in the initiation and development of NEC, including their influence on the intestinal epithelial barrier's function and regulation of the inflammatory process. Finally, this review aids in a comprehensive understanding of the current miRNA to accurately predict the diagnosis of NEC and provide ideas to find potential therapeutic targets of miRNA for NEC. In conclusion, our aims are to highlight the close relationship between miRNAs and NEC and to summarize the practical value of developing diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of NEC.

Upregulation of miR-194-5p or silencing of PRC1 enhances radiotherapy sensitivity in esophageal squamous carcinoma cells

“…miRNAs are endogenous, non-coding, single-stranded RNAs that play essential roles in different biological processes by binding to their target mRNAs [ 34 ]. Our study also confirmed that miR-194-5p can target PRC1 expression and reduce PRC1 expression by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, leading to the inhibitory effect of miR-194-5p in ESCC.…”

Chromatin as alarmins in necrotizing enterocolitis

“…Non-coding RNAs have been previously implicated in gastrointestinal disease pathology, including IBD and colitis (48). miRNAs have been implicated to impact biological functions in gastrointestinal diseases, such as through affecting cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, intestinal epithelial barrier function, and inflammation infiltration by post-transcriptional gene silencing (114). As elevated circulating levels of miRNAs have also been demonstrated in septic patients previously, increasing attention has been paid to studying these molecules in neonatal gastrointestinal inflammatory disease, including NEC (115).…”