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Review
. 2024 Oct 11;10(5):52.
doi: 10.3390/ncrna10050052.

MicroRNA Biogenesis, Gene Regulation Mechanisms, and Availability in Foods

Amilton S de Mello  1 , Bradley S Ferguson  2 , Erica L Shebs-Maurine  1 , Francine M Giotto  1   3
Affiliations
Review

MicroRNA Biogenesis, Gene Regulation Mechanisms, and Availability in Foods

Amilton S de Mello et al. Noncoding RNA. .

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by degrading or repressing mRNA translation into proteins. Research recently suggested that food-derived miRNAs are bioavailable and may be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Since these small RNAs may reach the circulation and organs, possible interactions with host genes will lead to epigenetic effects that alter metabolism. Therefore, from a precision nutrition standpoint, exogenous miRNAs may be essential in modulating health status. This review summarizes the process of miRNA biogenesis, the post-translational mechanisms of gene regulation, and their bioavailability in animal- and plant-derived foods.

Keywords: food; microRNAs; nutrigenomics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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