title: miR-122--a key factor and therapeutic target in liver disease.
abstract: Being the largest internal organ of the human body with the unique ability of self-regeneration, the liver is involved in a wide variety of vital functions that require highly orchestrated and controlled biochemical processes. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for the regulation of liver development, regeneration and metabolic functions. Hence, alterations in intrahepatic miRNA networks have been associated with liver disease including hepatitis, steatosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). miR-122 is the most frequent miRNA in the adult liver, and a central player in liver biology and disease. Furthermore, miR-122 has been shown to be an essential host factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and an antiviral target, complementary to the standard of care using direct-acting antivirals or interferon-based treatment. This review summarizes our current understanding of the key role of miR-122 in liver physiology and disease, highlighting its role in HCC and viral hepatitis. We also discuss the perspectives of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches for viral hepatitis and liver disease.
authors.affiliation: Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
authors.forename: Simonetta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bandiera
authors.affiliation: Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN - UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, Strasbourg, France.
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pfeffer
authors.affiliation: Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. Electronic address: Thomas.Baumert@unistra.fr.
authors.forename: Thomas F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Baumert
authors.affiliation: Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. Electronic address: Mirjam.Zeisel@unistra.fr.
authors.forename: Mirjam B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Zeisel
mesh_terms: D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: C531907:MIRN122 microRNA, human; D035683:MicroRNAs; D012333:RNA, Messenger
keywords: HBV; HCC; HCV; Hepatitis; Liver disease pathogenesis; miR-122