MicroRNAs' Therapeutic Potential in Multiple Human Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short single-stranded non-coding RNAs widely present in multicellular eukaryotes, including animals, plants, and fungi. Typically, approximately 22 nucleotides in length (with some ranging from 22 to 25 nucleotides), miRNAs are predominantly localized to non-coding genomic regions and exhibit high evolutionary conservation. As key post-transcriptional modulators of gene expression, miRNAs are non-protein-coding molecules. They bind complementarily to the 3'UTR of target mRNAs. This interaction triggers mRNA breakdown or inhibits protein translation. In this way, miRNAs regulate nearly 30% of cellular protein expression. MiRNA biogenesis is tightly regulated. Abnormal miRNA expression alters disease-related genes and signaling pathways. It further drives the onset, development, and pathological processes of various human diseases. This review outlines recent progress in research on miRNA functions across multiple illnesses. These illnesses cover neurological, metabolic, tumor, and cardiovascular disorders.