MicroRNA Regulation in Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), arise from diverse insults including infection, trauma and systemic inflammation. Central to the pathogenesis is disruption of the alveolar–capillary barrier, leading to protein-rich oedema, hypoxaemia and widespread inflammation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of these processes through their capacity to fine-tune gene networks that govern epithelial and endothelial integrity, cytokine production, cell death pathways and tissue repair. Altered miRNA expression is observed in injured pulmonary tissue and circulation, reflecting both local responses and systemic activation of immune cells. Mechanistically, miRNAs modulate key signalling cascades such as NF-κB, JAK/STAT and inflammasome pathways, often acting within extracellular vesicles to mediate intercellular communication. Beyond their roles in injury propagation, certain miRNAs promote resolution through enhancement of epithelial regeneration and attenuation of fibrotic remodelling. The dual functions of individual miRNAs as both drivers and suppressors of lung injury highlight their complexity as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Ongoing research seeks to exploit synthetic miRNA mimics or inhibitors in preclinical models, with the aim of restoring homeostatic balance and improving outcomes in patients with ALI.

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MicroRNA Regulation in Acute Lung Injury publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna regulation in acute lung injury across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

MicroRNA (miRNA): A small non-coding RNA molecule that regulates gene expression by inhibiting translation or promoting degradation of target messenger RNA.

Inflammasome: A multiprotein complex that activates inflammatory caspases and promotes maturation of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in response to stress or damage signals.

Damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP): Endogenous molecules released by injured cells that trigger immune activation and inflammation.

Exosome: A membrane-bound extracellular vesicle that transports proteins, lipids and RNAs, including miRNAs, between cells as a form of intercellular communication.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): A severe subset of ALI characterised by diffuse alveolar damage, hypoxaemia, and non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema.

Biomarker: A measurable biological molecule whose presence or concentration is indicative of a physiological or pathological process or response to treatment.

References

1. The Ambivalent Role of miRNA-21 in Trauma and Acute Organ Injury. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
2. Ly6G+ neutrophil-derived miR-223 inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome in mitochondrial DAMP-induced acute lung injury. Cell Death & Disease (2017).
3. Whole blood microRNA markers are associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Intensive Care Medicine Experimental (2017).