title: MicroRNAs as paracrine signaling mediators in cancers and metabolic diseases.
abstract: The contribution of microRNAs to the regulation of mRNA expression during physiological and developmental processes are well-recognized. These roles are being expanded by recent observations that emphasize the capability of miRNA to participate in inter-cellular signaling and communication. Several factors support a functional role for miRNA as mediators of cell-to-cell signaling. miRNA are able to exist within the extracellular milieu or circulation, and their stability and integrity maintained through association with binding proteins or lipoproteins, or through encapsulation within cell-derived membrane vesicles. Furthermore, miRNA can retain functionality and regulate target gene expression following their uptake by recipient cells. In this overview, we review specific examples that will highlight the potential of miRNA to serve as paracrine signaling mediators in metabolic diseases and cancers. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in inter-cellular communication involving miRNA will provide new insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic opportunities.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Transplantation and Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
authors.forename: Akiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Matsuda
authors.affiliation: Departments of Transplantation and Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
authors.forename: Irene K
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.affiliation: Departments of Transplantation and Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foye
authors.affiliation: Departments of Transplantation and Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
authors.forename: Mansi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parasramka
authors.affiliation: Departments of Transplantation and Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. Electronic address: patel.tushar@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Tushar
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D019899:Paracrine Communication
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs
keywords: cancer microenvironment; cell–cell communication; extracellular vesicles; metabolic disorders; miRNAs