Radiation biology. Radioecology
ISSN: 0869-8031

Archives → 2022 → Vol. 62, № 6 → pp. 565-577

Article

MicroRNA: Role in Gene Regulation, Disease Prognosis, Radiotherapy and in the Activity of Radioprotectors

Saleeva D. V.¹, Raeva N. F.¹, Sviridova D. A.², Zasukhina G. D.^{1, 2}

¹State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia ²Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Abstract

MicroRNAs are small, highly conserved non-coding RNAs (containing about 20 nucleotides), involved in the regulation of gene activity on the post-transcriptional level and can change the translation process. This review presents a summary of the literature data based on radiation-induced changes of microRNA expression profiles in the blood. The involvement of miRNAs in human diseases such as cancer has also been demonstrated. Evaluation of changes in microRNA expression confer the possibility to make a diagnosis, determine the stage and prognosis of the disease, and the effectiveness of radiotherapy. The involvement of microRNAs in pathological processes affects the tumors’ radiosensitivity. The data of the authors demonstrate differences in the activity of the studied microRNAs under the action of ionizing radiation at high and low doses, in normal and malignant human cells, as well as in oncological diseases of various localizations. The study of microRNAs as early biomarkers of pathological processes is shown. The perspectives of microRNA participation in the application of low-dose ionizing radiation before radiotherapy of neoplasms to preserve healthy tissues surrounding the tumor from the damaging effects of high doses are discussed. MicroRNAs can serve as indicators of radiation levels in professional settings, as well as in emergency situations.

Keywords

MicroRNA, low doses of radiation, cancer, biomarkers