Liver Function Micromanaged By MiR-122

Date: Jul-24-2012MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously encoded RNAs that regulate the stability or translation of mRNA molecules, and emerging research suggests that they have diverse roles in normal physiology and disease.

In this issue, two groups investigated the role of the predominant liver miRNA, miR-122. Ann-Ping Tsou and colleagues from National Yang-Ming University in Taiwan, and a team led by Kalpana Ghoshal, from Ohio State University generated mouse models of MiR-122 loss of function, and determined that the molecule was critically involved in modulating fat and cholesterol metabolism, and may also have a tumor suppressive function in hepatocytes.

In the accompanying commentary, Jessica Wen and Joshua Friedman of the University of Pennsylvania discuss these findings, and suggest the possibility that miR-122 might be a promising therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma.

TITLE: MicroRNA-122 plays a critical role in liver homeostasis and hepatocarcinogenesis

View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/63455?key=23da2ddccba2899a53ce

ACCOMPANYING ARTICLE
TITLE: Essential metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumorigenic functions of miR-122 in liver

View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/63539?key=1d943d4c7b1a0ff69bdc

ACCOMPANYING COMMENTARY
TITLE: miR-122 regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and tumor suppression

View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/63966?key=0e4a7918b518d2fd2d0c
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.