Abstract
The last decade has witnessed a revolution in our appreciation of the extensive regulatory gene expression networks modulated by small untranslated RNAs. microRNAs (miRNAs), ∼22 nt RNAs that bind imperfectly to partially homologous sites on target mRNAs to regulate transcript expression, are now known to influence a broad range of biological processes germane to development, homeostatic regulation and disease. It has been proposed that miRNAs ensure biological robustness, and aging has been described as a progressive loss of system and cellular robustness, but relatively little work to date has addressed roles of miRNAs in longevity and healthspan (the period of youthful vigor and disease resistance that precedes debilitating decline in basic functions). The C. elegans model is highly suitable for testing hypotheses regarding miRNA impact on aging biology: the lifespan of the animal is approximately three weeks, there exist a wealth of genetic mutations that alter lifespan through characterized pathways, biomarkers that report strong healthspan have been defined, and many miRNA genes have been identified, expression-profiled, and knocked out. 50/114 C. elegans miRNAs change in abundance during adult life, suggesting significant potential to modulate healthspan and lifespan. Indeed, miRNA lin-4 has been elegantly shown to influence lifespan and healthspan via its lin-14 mRNA target and the insulin signaling pathway. 27 of the C. elegans age-regulated miRNAs have sequence similarity with both fly and human miRNAs. We review current understanding of a field poised to reveal major insights into potentially conserved miRNA-regulated networks that modulate aging.
Keywords: miRNA, Caenorhabditis elegans, sarcopenia, lipofuscin, healthspan, longevity
Current Genomics
Title: MicroRNAs in C. elegans Aging: Molecular Insurance for Robustness?
Volume: 10 Issue: 3
Author(s): Carolina Ibanez-Ventoso and Monica Driscoll
Affiliation:
Keywords: miRNA, Caenorhabditis elegans, sarcopenia, lipofuscin, healthspan, longevity
Abstract: The last decade has witnessed a revolution in our appreciation of the extensive regulatory gene expression networks modulated by small untranslated RNAs. microRNAs (miRNAs), ∼22 nt RNAs that bind imperfectly to partially homologous sites on target mRNAs to regulate transcript expression, are now known to influence a broad range of biological processes germane to development, homeostatic regulation and disease. It has been proposed that miRNAs ensure biological robustness, and aging has been described as a progressive loss of system and cellular robustness, but relatively little work to date has addressed roles of miRNAs in longevity and healthspan (the period of youthful vigor and disease resistance that precedes debilitating decline in basic functions). The C. elegans model is highly suitable for testing hypotheses regarding miRNA impact on aging biology: the lifespan of the animal is approximately three weeks, there exist a wealth of genetic mutations that alter lifespan through characterized pathways, biomarkers that report strong healthspan have been defined, and many miRNA genes have been identified, expression-profiled, and knocked out. 50/114 C. elegans miRNAs change in abundance during adult life, suggesting significant potential to modulate healthspan and lifespan. Indeed, miRNA lin-4 has been elegantly shown to influence lifespan and healthspan via its lin-14 mRNA target and the insulin signaling pathway. 27 of the C. elegans age-regulated miRNAs have sequence similarity with both fly and human miRNAs. We review current understanding of a field poised to reveal major insights into potentially conserved miRNA-regulated networks that modulate aging.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Ibanez-Ventoso Carolina and Driscoll Monica, MicroRNAs in C. elegans Aging: Molecular Insurance for Robustness?, Current Genomics 2009; 10 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920209788185243
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920209788185243 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced Computational Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Pharmacogenomics
In the era of personalized medicine, understanding the relationship between genetics and drug response is crucial. This issue delves into innovative methodologies, leveraging deep computational analysis and artificial intelligence, to enhance the field of Clinical Pharmacogenomics. The interdisciplinary approach harnesses the power of advanced high-throughput genotyping technologies, sophisticated computational analysis, ...read more
Applications of Single-cell Sequencing Technology in Reproductive Medicine
Single cell sequencing (SCS) technology utilizes individual cells' genetic material to sequence their genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics at the molecular level. It offers insights into cell heterogeneity and enables the study of limited biological materials. Since its recognition as a valuable technique in 2011, single cell sequencing has yielded numerous ...read more
Big Data in Cancer Research
Cancer is a significant threat to human life and health, remaining a highly aggressive killer. It is a leading cause of death worldwide and represents a crucial medical issue for humanity. However, in the past decade, the effectiveness of new synthetic anticancer agents has not matched the current clinical speculation. ...read more
Current Genomics in Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, in recent years we have had important advances in the interaction between cardiovascular disease and genomics. In this Research Topic, we intend for researchers to present their results with a focus on basic, translational and clinical investigations associated with ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Proposing a “Lipemic Index” As a Nutritional and Research Tool
Current Vascular Pharmacology Therapeutic Option of Plasmid-DNA Based Gene Transfer
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Geriatric Evaluation of Oncological Elderly Patients
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Use of BNP and CRP as Biomarkers in Assessing Cardiovascular Disease:Diagnosis Versus Risk
Current Vascular Pharmacology Parvalbumin as a Pleomorphic Protein
Current Protein & Peptide Science Chronic Immune Stimulation Correlates with Reduced Phenylalanine Turnover
Current Drug Metabolism Relationship between Augmentation Index and Wall Thickening Fraction during Hypotension in an Animal Model of Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion and Heart Failure
Current Hypertension Reviews Segmentation of Short Axis CMR Images Using Hybrid Method
Current Medical Imaging Prevention of Ischemic Stroke: Antithrombotic Therapy in Cardiac Embolism
Current Drug Targets Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Current & Future Directions
Current Pharmaceutical Design Current Status of CETP Inhibitors in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: An Update
Current Clinical Pharmacology Clinical Relevance of Non-Fasting and Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia and Remnant Cholesterol
Current Vascular Pharmacology Cell-Based Therapy to Promote Angiogenesis in the Brain Following Ischemic Damage
Current Vascular Pharmacology Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to Natural Products: Can Past Research Direct Future Drug Development?
Current Bioactive Compounds Bio-Antioxidants – A Chemical Base of Their Antioxidant Activity and Beneficial Effect on Human Health
Current Medicinal Chemistry Joint ESC/EASD Guidelines on Diabetes, where are we Now and where should we Go?
Current Vascular Pharmacology Drug-Loaded Nanocarriers in Tumor Targeted Drug Delivery
Current Biotechnology High-density Lipoprotein, Vascular Risk, Cancer and Infection: A Case of Quantity and Quality?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Anesthetic Considerations for Electroconvulsive Therapy-Especially Hemodynamic and Respiratory Management
Current Psychiatry Reviews Prolyl Oligopeptidase: A Rising Star on the Stage of Neuroinflammation Research
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets