MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0

Dear Colleagues,

MicroRNAs are involved in cellular processes such as differentiation, growth, and apoptosis. Stem cells have peculiar properties such as differentiation and self-renewal, which can be strongly influenced by epigenetic changes. Notably, miRNAs are able to fine-tune stem cell behavior by suppressing the translation of many target mRNAs, thus inducing fluctuations in gene expression and protein translation. Two large miRNA families (i.e., the miR-200 and the miR-302 families) are pluripotent activators that are able to modulate pluripotent genes. These two miRNA families can be down-regulated by the activation of TGF-β, which is itself directly modulated by both miR-200 and miR-302, and consequently involved in cell differentiation and reprogramming. Unraveling epigenetic factors and their role in influencing pluripotency and stem cell differentiation capabilities could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine. This Special Issue, “MicroRNAs and Stem Cells 3.0”, of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, will include a selection of research papers and reviews about various aspects of the molecular regulation of stem cell behavior and cellular phenotype by miRNA. In addition, clinical studies evaluating miRNA and stem cells in regenerative medicine are suitable for submission to this Special Issue.

Prof. Margherita Maioli
Dr. Sara Cruciani
Guest Editors

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