Toxic-Metal-Induced Alteration in miRNA Expression Profile as a Proposed Mechanism for Disease Development
Authors
Wallace, David R.Taalab, Yasmeen M.
Heinze, Sarah
Tariba Lovaković, Sarah
Pizent, Alica
Renieri, Elisavit
Tsatsakis, Aristidis
Farooqi, Ammad Ahmad
Javorac, Dragana

Anđelković, Milena
Bulat, Zorica

Antonijević, Biljana

Buha-Đorđević, Aleksandra

Article (Published version)
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Toxic metals are extensively found in the environment, households, and workplaces and contaminate food and drinking water. The crosstalk between environmental exposure to toxic metals and human diseases has been frequently described. The toxic mechanism of action was classically viewed as the ability to dysregulate the redox status, production of inflammatory mediators and alteration of mitochondrial function. Recently, growing evidence showed that heavy metals might exert their toxicity through microRNAs (miRNA)-short, single-stranded, noncoding molecules that function as positive/negative regulators of gene expression. Aberrant alteration of the endogenous miRNA has been directly implicated in various pathophysiological conditions and signaling pathways, consequently leading to different types of cancer and human diseases. Additionally, the gene-regulatory capacity of miRNAs is particularly valuable in the brain-a complex organ with neurons demonstrating a significant ability to adap...t following environmental stimuli. Accordingly, dysregulated miRNAs identified in patients suffering from neurological diseases might serve as biomarkers for the earlier diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. This review will greatly emphasize the effect of the toxic metals on human miRNA activities and how this contributes to progression of diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs).
Keywords:
arsenic / cadmium / cancer / epigenetic modification / gene expression / lead / manganese / mercury / miRNA / neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs)Source:
Cells, 2020, 9, 4Publisher:
- MDPI
Projects:
- Improvement and development of hygienic and technological procedures in production of animal originating foodstuffs with the aim of producing high-quality and safe products competetive on the global market (RS-46009)
- OSUCHS 154357 (to D.R.W.)
DOI: 10.3390/cells9040901
ISSN: 2073-4409