Role of MicroRNAs in Fibrosis

TLDR

Fibrosis, a leading cause of organ failure, involves excessive extracellular matrix deposition driven by complex interactions among cells, cytokines, and myofibroblasts, and microRNAs—small non‑coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression—have emerged as key modulators in this process. This review surveys how microRNAs regulate profibrotic pathways and extracellular matrix synthesis and explores their therapeutic potential in fibrotic diseases. The authors review the mechanisms by which microRNAs modulate profibrotic signaling and matrix production.

Abstract

Fibrosis is the leading cause of organ dysfunction in diseases such as systemic sclerosis, liver cirrhosis, cardiac fibrosis, progressive kidney disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The hallmark of fibrosis is tissue remodeling with excess deposition of extracellular matrix components, predominantly collagens. Different cell types, cytokines, growth factors, and enzymes interact in complex pathogenic networks with myofibroblasts playing a pivotal role. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs acting as negative regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MicroRNAs have been associated with many basic cellular processes as well as with a wide spectrum of diseases, most notably cancer. This review provides a comprehensive overview of microRNAs regulating profibrotic pathways and extracellular matrix synthesis. The potential of miRNA for targeted therapeutic approaches in fibrotic disorders is also discussed.