Role of MicroRNAs in Lung Disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression. They actively participate in the modulation of important cell physiological processes and are involved in the pathogenesis of lung diseases such as lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A better understanding of the role that miRNAs play in these diseases could lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In this review, we discuss the role of some miRNAs in different lung diseases as well as the possible future of these discoveries in clinical applications. (C) 2012 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.