About this Research Topic
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules mostly known for their role as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and for mediating several physiological functions including cell differentiation, development, metabolism and homeostasis maintenance. Moreover, miRNAs are known as biomarkers or therapeutic response indicators for various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. miRNAs are not confined only within cells but are secreted and delivered to other cells as bioactive molecules hence mediating intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) and other carriers (lipids, proteins). As a result, excreted miRNAs support recruitment of tumor stroma, invasiveness, and metastasis. Indeed, miRNAs can be isolated from different body fluids, including plasma, serum, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and used in predicting disease state and progression. MiRNA-mediated intercellular communication can modulate the phenotype and response of recipient cells and affect the microenvironment and pathophysiology of the target tissues.
miRNAs secretion and delivery certainly represent an exciting field of research, with potential applications in diagnostics, prognostics, therapeutics, and regenerative medicine. However, there are still many challenges and unaddressed questions regarding the mechanisms and regulation of miRNA secretion and delivery, as well as the biological response and outcomes of the transferred miRNAs. Moreover, the development of efficient, stable, and safe delivery systems for miRNA-based therapies being addressed by current studies. Nanoparticles, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and biological nanoparticles including EVs, are promising candidates for delivering miRNAs to specific cells or tissues, as they can protect the miRNAs from degradation, enhance their stability and bioavailability, and allow for controlled release to targeted tissues.
In this special issue, we invite original Research Articles, Review and Mini-Review Articles, Perspectives, and Opinions that address the current state of the art and the future perspectives of miRNA secretion and delivery. We welcome manuscripts that cover, but are not limited to, topics as:
• The molecular mechanisms and pathways resulting in miRNA variances to drive development and progression of diseases.
• The molecular mechanisms and pathways orchestrating miRNA secretion and uptake by EVs or other carriers;
• The identification and characterization of miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic substrates for various diseases;
• The functional roles and implications of miRNA transfer in pathophysiological conditions;
• The design and optimization of nanoparticle delivery systems for miRNA-based therapies;
• The assessment and validation of the efficacy and safety of miRNA delivery in preclinical and clinical studies
We hope that this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the mechanisms and applications of miRNA secretion and delivery, and stimulate further research and innovation in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
miRNAs secretion and delivery certainly represent an exciting field of research, with potential applications in diagnostics, prognostics, therapeutics, and regenerative medicine. However, there are still many challenges and unaddressed questions regarding the mechanisms and regulation of miRNA secretion and delivery, as well as the biological response and outcomes of the transferred miRNAs. Moreover, the development of efficient, stable, and safe delivery systems for miRNA-based therapies being addressed by current studies. Nanoparticles, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and biological nanoparticles including EVs, are promising candidates for delivering miRNAs to specific cells or tissues, as they can protect the miRNAs from degradation, enhance their stability and bioavailability, and allow for controlled release to targeted tissues.
In this special issue, we invite original Research Articles, Review and Mini-Review Articles, Perspectives, and Opinions that address the current state of the art and the future perspectives of miRNA secretion and delivery. We welcome manuscripts that cover, but are not limited to, topics as:
• The molecular mechanisms and pathways resulting in miRNA variances to drive development and progression of diseases.
• The molecular mechanisms and pathways orchestrating miRNA secretion and uptake by EVs or other carriers;
• The identification and characterization of miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic substrates for various diseases;
• The functional roles and implications of miRNA transfer in pathophysiological conditions;
• The design and optimization of nanoparticle delivery systems for miRNA-based therapies;
• The assessment and validation of the efficacy and safety of miRNA delivery in preclinical and clinical studies
We hope that this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the mechanisms and applications of miRNA secretion and delivery, and stimulate further research and innovation in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
Keywords: MicroRNAs, miRNAs, non-coding RNA, post-transcriptional regulators, gene expression, miRNA secretion, miRNA uptake and cell metabolism
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
