microRNAs in skeletal muscle differentiation and disease.
miRNAs (microRNAs) are novel post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Several miRNAs, expressed exclusively in muscle, play important roles during muscle development, growth and regeneration; other ubiquitously expressed miRNAs are also essential for muscle function. In the present review, we outline the miRNAs involved in embryonic muscle development and those that have been found to be dysregulated in diseases associated with skeletal muscle or are changed during muscle adaptation. miRNAs are promising biomarkers and candidates for potential therapeutic intervention. We discuss the strategies that aim to develop novel therapies through modulating miRNA activity. In time, some of these approaches may become available to treat muscle-associated diseases.
School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Katarzyna
K
Goljanek-Whysall
Dylan
D
Sweetman
Andrea E
AE
Münsterberg
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D024510:Muscle Development / Q000235:genetics*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000235:genetics*
D035683:MicroRNAs