Novel nuclear microRNA is being developed for the treatment of
cardiovascular disease

Date:
April 1, 2022
Source:
University of Eastern Finland
Summary:
A novel angiogenic microRNA drug can be a new option for the
treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease, according to a new
study. In the study, the researchers describe a novel nuclear
acting microRNA.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A novel angiogenic microRNA drug can be a new option for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published in
PLOS ONE by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland together
with international collaborators. In the study, the researchers describe
a novel nuclear acting microRNA.


========================================================================== MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules, which regulate gene expression. Their canonical role is gene silencing by targeting messenger RNAs in cell
cytoplasm.

However, this novel microRNA, miR-466c, has a different mechanism of
action. It upregulates the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)
by targeting the gene promoter in the cell nucleus.

In addition to expanding the academic understanding of microRNA biology,
these findings have commercial relevance for the development of novel
RNA drugs.

Increasing the expression of VEGFA by using small RNAs offers novel
options for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease, where the
blood supply in the tissue is compromised.

"RNA activation as a phenomenon has been known for 16 years already,
but its commercial potential has been recognised only recently," says
Adjunct Professor Mikko Turunen, Chair of the newly founded RNatives
company, which will be commercialising the patented microRNA drug.

"Our patented microRNA drug has several advantages over traditional means
of increasing gene expression. First of all, by activating the cell's
own therapeutic gene (e.g., VEGFA), all the different spliceforms of the
gene are correctly produced. Also, being a small RNA, it is much less immunogenic and more stable than longer RNAs, such as mRNA based drugs," Turunen says.

In addition to RNA drugs, RNatives is developing engineered exosomes
for the delivery of these RNAs into the patients.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Eastern_Finland. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Pia Laitinen, Mari-Anna Va"a"na"nen, Ida-Liisa Kolari, Petri
I. Ma"kinen,
Minna U. Kaikkonen, Marc S. Weinberg, Kevin V. Morris, Paula
Korhonen, Tarja Malm, Seppo Yla"-Herttuala, Thomas C. Roberts,
Mikko P. Turunen, Tiia A. Turunen. Nuclear microRNA-466c regulates
Vegfa expression in response to hypoxia. PLOS ONE, 2022; 17 (3):
e0265948 DOI: 10.1371/ journal.pone.0265948 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220401094845.htm

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