Epitranscriptomics: A New Layer of microRNA Regulation in Cancer

Abstract

MicroRNAs are pervasive regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in metazoan, playing key roles in several physiological and pathological processes. Accordingly, these small non-coding RNAs are also involved in cancer development and progression. Furthermore, miRNAs represent valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in malignancies. In the last twenty years, the role of RNA modifications in fine-tuning gene expressions at several levels has been unraveled. All RNA species may undergo post-transcriptional modifications, collectively referred to as epitranscriptomic modifications, which, in many instances, affect RNA molecule properties. miRNAs are not an exception, in this respect, and they have been shown to undergo several post-transcriptional modifications. In this review, we will summarize the recent findings concerning miRNA epitranscriptomic modifications, focusing on their potential role in cancer development and progression.

Innate immune suppression by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations: The role of G-quadruplexes, exosomes, and MicroRNAs

“…In humans, there is an abundance of mostly asymptomatic picornavirus infections like the Safford Virus with an over 90% seroprevalence in young children and adults ( Zoll et al, 2009 ). In either case, whether an apoptotic event due to a stress-like condition ( Rusk, 2008 ) or an mRNA-cap-driven-like carcinomatous effect ( De Paolis et al, 2021 ), the miRNA levels will be increased due to the increased epitranscriptomic functioning and enhanced mRNA decay. Because of the high demand for gene expression, high levels of certain miRNAs will be expected to be contained in exosomes via P bodies ( Yu et al, 2016 ).…”

Innate Immune Suppression by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccinations: The role of G-quadruplexes, exosomes and microRNAs

“…In humans, there is an abundance of mostly asymptomatic picornavirus infections like the Safford Virus with an over 90% seroprevalence in young children and adults [124]. In either case, whether an apoptotic event due to a stress-like condition [125] or an mRNA-cap-driven-like carcinomatous effect [126], the miRNA levels will be increased due to the increased epitranscriptomic functioning and enhanced mRNA decay. Because of the high demand for gene expression, high levels of certain miRNAs will be expected to be contained in exosomes via P bodies [127].…”

The Epitranscriptome in miRNAs: Crosstalk, Detection, and Function in Cancer

“…Similar to other RNAs, miRNAs are modified with epitranscriptomic modifications that can alter their functionality, regulation, and biogenesis [ 9 ]. miRNAs are short non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that are master regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.…”

“…Based on their function and dysregulation in malignancies, miRNAs are classified as oncomiRNAs, which target onco-suppressor genes, and tumor suppressor miRNAs, which target oncogenes, impeding their downstream functions [ 16 ]. Epitranscriptomic modifications of these miRNAs lead to alteration in their targeting [ 9 ]. Given that, the number of miRNA targets becomes much more complex when considering epitranscriptomic modifications, as both the miRNA and the targeted gene can be modified [ 9 ].…”

“…Epitranscriptomic modifications of these miRNAs lead to alteration in their targeting [ 9 ]. Given that, the number of miRNA targets becomes much more complex when considering epitranscriptomic modifications, as both the miRNA and the targeted gene can be modified [ 9 ].…”