Title:Expression Profiles of MicroRNAs in Stem Cells Differentiation
Volume: 21
Issue: 10
Author(s): Hadi Rajabi, Somayeh Aslani, Alireza Abhari*Davoud Sanajou
Affiliation:
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz,Iran
Keywords:
MicroRNA, stem cells, differentiation, signaling pathways, transcription factors, cell cycle.
Abstract: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells and have a great potential in multilineage differentiation.
These cells are classified into adult stem cells like Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Embryonic
Stem Cells (ESCs). Stem cells also have potential therapeutic utility due to their pluripotency,
self-renewal, and differentiation ability. These properties make them a suitable choice for regenerative
medicine. Stem cells differentiation toward functional cells is governed by different signaling pathways
and transcription factors. Recent studies have demonstrated the key role of microRNAs in the
pathogenesis of various diseases, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, aging, cell fate decisions. Several
types of stem cells have different and unique miRNA expression profiles. Our review summarizes
novel regulatory roles of miRNAs in the process of stem cell differentiation especially adult stem cells
into a variety of functional cells through signaling pathways and transcription factors modulation. Understanding
the mechanistic roles of miRNAs might be helpful in elaborating clinical therapies using
stem cells and developing novel biomarkers for the early and effective diagnosis of pathologic conditions.