MicroRNAs as Regulators of Phagocytosis
Wojciech Gierlikowski, Barbara Gierlikowska
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and thus act as important regulators of cellular phenotype and function. As their expression may be dysregulated in numerous diseases, they are of interest as biomarkers. What is more, attempts of modulation of some microRNAs for therapeutic reasons have been undertaken. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the influence of microRNAs on phagocytosis, which may be exerted on different levels, such as through macrophages polarization, phagosome maturation, reactive oxygen species production and cytokines synthesis. This phenomenon plays an important role in numerous pathological conditions.
Topics & Concepts
microRNAPhagocytosisPhagosomeBiologyCell biologyPhenotypeRegulation of gene expressionFunction (biology)Gene expressionGeneComputational biologyGeneticsMicroRNA in disease regulationPhagocytosis and Immune RegulationExtracellular vesicles in disease