miRNA nanotherapeutics: potential and challenges in respiratory disorders

摘要

Chronic respiratory disorders are among the most common causes of severe illness and death worldwide. Globally, approximately around 4 million people die annually prematurely due to chronic respiratory diseases [ ]. miRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that are used to suppress protein translation in order to modulate gene expression. Alterations in miRNA abundance can be observed both in the lung tissue and in the inflammatory cells, as regulators of the disease [ , ]. miRNAs are therefore considered as potential biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for respiratory diseases namely, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and fibrosis. Several miRNAs have been identified, especially in the let-7 family, miR-10, miR-26, miR-30, miR-34, miR-99, miR-122, miR-124, miR-122, miR-140, miR-145, myR-146, miR-190, miR-192, miR-219, miR-222 and miR-223 [ ], which downregulate their expressions during respiratory disorders. Nevertheless, there is an emerging need to resolve numerous physicochemical and biological challenges associated with miRNAs, particularly, off-target effects, in order to obtain an effective delivery. This commentary, in particular, addresses the challenges associated with the use of miRNAs and the advantages of nonviral methods of delivery in respiratory diseases.