MicroRNA (miR)-124: A Promising Therapeutic Gateway for Oncology

Innovative dual-gene delivery platform using miR-124 and PD-1 via umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and exosome for glioblastoma therapy

Addressing the challenges of identifying suitable targets and effective delivery strategies is critical in pursuing therapeutic solutions for glioblastoma (GBM). This study focuses on the therapeutic potential of microRNA-124 (miR-124), known for its tumor-suppressing properties, by investigating its ability to target key oncogenic pathways in GBM. The results reveal that CDK4 and CDK6-cyclin-dependent kinases that promote cell cycle progression-are significantly overexpressed in GBM brain samples, underscoring their role in tumor proliferation and identifying them as critical targets for miR-124 intervention. However, delivering miRNA-based therapies remains a major obstacle due to the instability of RNA molecules and the difficulty in achieving targeted, efficient delivery. To address these issues, this research introduces an innovative, non-viral dual-gene delivery platform that utilizes umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) and their exosomes to transport miR-124 and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1). The efficacy of this dual-gene delivery system was validated using an orthotopic GBM model, which closely mimics the tumor microenvironment seen in patients. Experimental results demonstrate that the UMSC/miR-124-PD-1 complex and its exosomes successfully induce apoptosis in GBM cells, significantly inhibiting tumor growth. Notably, these treatments show minimal cytotoxic effects on normal glial cells, highlighting their safety and selectivity. Moreover, the study highlights the immunomodulatory properties of UMSC/miR-124-PD-1 and its exosomes, enhancing the activation of immune cells such as T cells and dendritic cells, while reducing immunosuppressive cells populations like regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The orchestrated dual-gene delivery system by UMSCs and exosomes showcased targeted tumor inhibition and positive immune modulation, emphasizing its potential as a promising therapeutic approach for GBM.

Can miRNAs in MSCs-EVs Offer a Potential Treatment for Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy?

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a critical condition resulting from impaired oxygen and blood flow to the brain during birth, leading to neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and long-term neurological deficits. Despite the use of therapeutic hypothermia, current treatments remain inadequate in fully preventing brain damage. Recent advances in mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) offer a novel, cell-free therapeutic approach, as these EVs can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver functional microRNAs (miRNAs) to modulate key pathways involved in inflammation and neuroprotection. This review examines how specific miRNAs encapsulated in MSC-EVs-including miR-21, miR-124, miR-146, and the miR-17-92 cluster-target the complex inflammatory responses that drive HIE pathology. By modulating pathways such as NF-κB, STAT3, and PI3K/Akt, these miRNAs influence neuroinflammatory processes, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and promote tissue repair. The aim is to assess the therapeutic potential of miRNA-loaded MSC-EVs in mitigating inflammation and neuronal damage, thus addressing the limitations of current therapies like therapeutic hypothermia.

MicroRNA biosensors for detection of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of malignant brain tumor.The discovery of microRNAs and their unique properties have made them suitable tools as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of therapeutic response using different types of nanomaterials as sensitive and specific biosensors. In this review, we discuss microRNA-based electrochemical biosensing systems and the use of nanoparticles in the evolving development of microRNA-based biosensors in glioblastoma.

The Role of miRNAs in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Relapse and the Associated Molecular Mechanisms

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children worldwide. Although ALL patients' overall survival rates in wealthy countries currently surpass 80%, 15-20% of patients still experience relapse. The underlying mechanisms of relapse are still not fully understood, and little progress has been made in treating refractory or relapsed disease. Disease relapse and treatment failure are common causes of leukemia-related death. In ALL relapse, several gene signatures have been identified, but it is also important to study miRNAs involved in ALL relapse in an effort to avoid relapse and to achieve better survival rates since miRNAs regulate target genes that participate in signaling pathways involved in relapse, such as those related to drug resistance, survival signals, and antiapoptotic mechanisms. Several miRNAs, such as miR-24, miR-27a, miR-99/100, miR-124, miR-1225b, miR-128b, miR-142-3p, miR-155 and miR-335-3p, are valuable biomarkers for prognosis and treatment response in ALL patients. Thus, this review aimed to analyze the primary miRNAs involved in pediatric ALL relapse and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in an effort to identify miRNAs that may be potential candidates for anti-ALL therapy soon.