Role of miR-223 in the pathophysiology of liver diseases

Abstract

Liver disease: a tiny trigger for liver damage A tiny RNA molecule involved with gene regulation may offer an appealing target for diagnosing and treating various liver diseases. MicroRNA-223 (miR-223) was first identified as controlling gene activity in a wide variety of immune cells. A review from researchers led by Yanning Liu at China’s Zhejiang University in Hangzhou details how abnormal miR-223 also contributes to liver damage in a variety of conditions, although questions still remain about how it functions in different liver disorders. The authors highlight studies linking miR-223 with the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis, and with the inflammatory response to injury from drugs, alcohol, or infection. This could make this microRNA a useful diagnostic biomarker. The authors also identify therapeutic opportunities to modulate this molecule, referring to several studies on the manipulation of miR-223 to treat hepatitis.