MicroRNAs-the Next Generation Therapeutic Targets in Human Diseases

licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). Reproduction is permitted for personal, noncommercial use, provided that the article is in whole, unmodified, and properly cited. Received: 2013.06.27; Accepted: 2013.10.08; Published: 2013.11.29 MicroRNAs (miRNAs), an abundant class of ~22-nucleotide non-coding RNAs, regulate the expression of genes at post transcriptional level. MiRNAs are important regulators of eukaryotic gene expression and therefore implicated in a wide range of biological processes. The miR-NA-related genetic alterations are possibly more implicated human diseases than currently appreciated. Genetic variants in miRNA target sites, called miRNA genes are identified to be associated with human diseases. This review discusses about the role of micro-RNA genes in various human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardio-vascular diseases, and metabolic disorders, and how they can be targeted as a new therapeutic tool in future with reference to drug discoveries / development

Introduction to nanotheranostics

This book offers readers an introduction to the current status of nanoparticles and other nanomaterials that have potential applications in theranostics. Above all, it highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of metallic (e.g. Au, Ag), semiconducting quantum dots (e.g. CdSe, CdTe), magnetic (e.g. Fe3O4, FePt, Co), and multifunctional (combination of two or three) nanoparticles.

PEMBANGUNAN KOSWER PEMBELAJARAN BERBANTUKAN KOMPUTER BAGI TOPIK PROSES PENERBITAN ANIMASI

Animation Technology is one of the courses for the Bachelor of Vocational Education (Creative Multimedia) degree program at the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). This study aims to design, develop and evaluate a courseware for the topic of animation publishing. Additionally, this study examines the usability of courseware for the topic of animation publishing process to the three experts in Creative Multimedia field. The development methodology is based on ASSURE model which has six phases namely analyse learner phase, state objective phase, select method, media and materials phase, utilize media and materials phase, require learner participation phase evaluate and revise phase. Therefore, in the evaluation phase and review, the developer assesses three experts in the Creative Multimedia field and lecturers who teaches the Animation Technology subject. There are three designs that are evaluate by three experts such as for information design, interaction design and interface design. Experts are Creative Multimedia lecturers with 10 to 15 years of experience in design and subject Animation Technology. The findings of this study showed that the three designs met the assessment where improvements made after the experts expressing improvements to education courseware developed. In conclusion, the development of courseware is expect to help students for better understand about the topic

Multifunctional iron oxide nanoparticles for diagnostics, therapy and macromolecule delivery

In recent years, multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of either metal (e.g. Au), or magnetic NP (e.g. iron oxide) with other fluorescent components such as quantum dots (QDs) or organic dyes have been emerging as versatile candidate systems for cancer diagnosis, therapy, and macromolecule delivery such as micro ribonucleic acid (microRNA). This review intends to highlight the recent advances in the synthesis and application of multifunctional NPs (mainly iron oxide) in theranostics, an area used to combine therapeutics and diagnostics. The recent applications of NPs in miRNA delivery are also reviewed.ASTAR (Agency for Sci., Tech. and Research, S’pore)Published versio

MicroRNAs : the next generation therapeutic targets in human diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), an abundant class of ~22-nucleotide non-coding RNAs, regulate the expression of genes at post transcriptional level. MiRNAs are important regulators of eukaryotic gene expression and therefore implicated in a wide range of biological processes. The miRNA- related genetic alterations are possibly more implicated human diseases than currently appreciated. Genetic variants in miRNA target sites, called miRNA genes are identified to be associated with human diseases. This review discusses about the role of micro-RNA genes in various human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardio-vascular diseases, and metabolic disorders, and how they can be targeted as a new therapeutic tool in future with reference to drug discoveries/ development.Published versio

Recent Insights into NIR-Light-Responsive Materials for Photothermal Cell Treatments

Controlling cells using photo-responsive materials is highly indispensable in the current biomedical sector. Considering the potential side effects of nanoparticles, it has become a challenge to control cells with photo-responsive materials. Recent studies have described several methods for controlling cell behavior using nanoparticles subjected to the near-infrared (NIR) laser light operating at the wavelength of 808 nm to 980 nm and at the power densities of 0.33 to 0.72 W·cm−2. The challenge here is the preparation of biocompatible nanoparticles for both in vivo and in vitro studies and understanding cell behavior with an external light source recommended for biological application. Earlier studies have well documented many approaches and associated mechanisms for controlling cell behavior and the interaction between nanoparticles, cells, and appropriate external light sources. In this review, various nanomaterials such as metal nanomaterials and carbon-based nanomaterials are compared systematically regarding the effects of controlling cell behavior and inflammation by studying their mechanisms, route of administration, dose, and adverse effects such as toxicity and the interaction of nanoparticles with a specific wavelength of the light. Future directions should focus on stable and efficient light-responsive materials with minimal cytotoxicity