MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19-24 nucleotide non-coding ribonucleic acids binding DNA or RNA and controlling gene expression via mRNA degradation or its transcription inhibition. Erythropoies is a multi step differentiation process of erythroid progenitors to nucleate red blood cells. Maturation, proliferation and differentiation of red blood cells is affected by erythroid factors, signaling pathways in niche of hematopoietic cells, transcription factors as well as miRNAs. Expression of different types of miRNAs during erythroid development provides a background for the study of these molecules to control erythroid differentiation and maturation as well as their use as diagnostic and prognostic markers to treat erythroid disorders like thalassemia, sickle cell disease and erythrocyte enzyme deficiencies. In this paper, with reference to biosynthesis of miRNAs, their function in normal and anemic erythropoiesis has been investigated. The target molecule of each of these miRNAs has been cited in an attempt to elucidate their role in erythropoiesis.
β-Thalassemia is a genetic disorder with a continuum of mild to severe clinical manifestations and requirement of transfusion at different stages of life. The cause(s) of this variety is not clear but genetic alterations could be a potential factor. In this review, the correlation between polymorphisms and different clinical manifestations, including the need for transfusion, was investigated. Relevant articles published in pubmed database from 1982 onwards were studied and compiled. The articles all contained the keywords β-thalassemia, genetic modifiers, and mutations. Certain polymorphisms and mutations could dictate the severity of symptoms as well as their onset. A significant number of the mentioned genetic alterations appear in beta-globin gene cluster and affect gamma chain. Therefore, hemoglobin F production rate is increased and can affect thalassemia symptoms and can relieve β-thalassemia symptoms. A number of polymorphisms in catalase and glutathione S transferase genes have also been shown to modify the severity of disease and response to treatment. Knowledge of these mutations and polymorphisms can provide an insight into the prognosis for individual patients, especially in young ages or before birth to take proper measures in advance and eventually ameliorate the symptoms in the long run.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.