The Role of MicroRNAs in Liver Regeneration

Liver regeneration is multifaceted and well-orchestrated phenomenon which involves complex network of growth factors and cytokines, which themselves are regulated at various levels. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as one of the robust gene-regulation study tools which may provide distinct insights into high regenerative ability of the liver. Previous studies have shown a crucial role of miRNAs in regulation of various cellular activities such as differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. MiRNAs are potent post-transcriptional regulators that complementary binds to mRNAs and suppresses translation and thus, subsequently inhibits the protein synthesis. Specific signatures of differenzially expressed miRNAs have been reported in hepatic development or carcinogenesis, as these specific miRNAs affect target genes that promote cell proliferation and replication. We report significant miRNA expression changes during two-third partial hepatectomy (2/3 PH), which is one of the best model system to investigate liver regeneration in rodents. In addition, we found that one of the miRNAs is essential for progression of hepatocyte through G1/S check point of cell cycle. In conclusion, our findings indicate that optimum level of miRNA expression is essential for liver regeneration.