MicroRNA Roles in Cell Reprogramming Mechanisms

Abstract

Cell reprogramming is a groundbreaking technology that, in few decades, generated a new paradigm in biomedical science. To date we can use cell reprogramming to potentially generate every cell type by converting somatic cells and suitably modulating the expression of key transcription factors. This approach can be used to convert skin fibroblasts into pluripotent stem cells as well as into a variety of differentiated and medically relevant cell types, including cardiomyocytes and neural cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying such striking cell phenotypes are still largely unknown, but in the last decade it has been proven that cell reprogramming approaches are significantly influenced by non-coding RNAs. Specifically, this review will focus on the role of microRNAs in the reprogramming processes that lead to the generation of pluripotent stem cells, neurons, and cardiomyocytes. As highlighted here, non-coding RNA-forced expression can be sufficient to support some cell reprogramming processes, and, therefore, we will also discuss how these molecular determinants could be used in the future for biomedical purposes.

Keywords: cardiac reprogramming; iPSCs; miRNAs; neuronal reprogramming; non-coding RNAs.

Figure 1

miRNAs involved in iPSC reprogramming and direct reprogramming to neurons and cardiomyocytes. The image shows miRNAs with a promoter role (in green) and others with an inhibitory role (in red) involved in the process of converting somatic cells into iPSCs and those miRNAs (in green) that promote the direct conversion of somatic cells into cardiomyocytes and neurons. These miRNAs can be used to improve the reprogramming efficiency.