Project description:Plant-based diets could be a key source of microRNAs in animals. Plant microRNAs are cross-kingdom gene expression regulators that could modulate mammalian gene expression, influencing their physiology. Therefore, it is important to identify the microRNA expression profile of plant foods in order to identify potential target genes and biological functions in the mammalian host. Next-generation sequencing was applied to identify microRNAs in RNA samples derived from nuts (walnut and almond), vegetables (spinach) and fruits (orange, apple, olive, pear, and tomato). Our data revealed that edible plant contain a large number and diverse type of microRNAs.
Project description:In this study, we found that the highly expressed miRNAs appear in EPDELNs (Edible plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles) have the potential to regulate human mRNA in a cross-kingdom manner. Target prediction and functional analysis revealed that highly expressed miRNAs were closely associated with inflammatory responses and cancer-related pathways. Therefore, we hypothesized that miRNAs in EPDELNs may be a crucial factor behind the regulatory function of EPDELNs.
Project description:Animal microRNAs (which lack 2'-O-methyl modification) can be broken down at the terminal nucleotide by oxidation, while plant microRNAs (with 2'-O-methyl modification) are not affected. To gain additional sight into the role of SIDT1 in exogenous plant microRNAs absorption, we profiled oxidized smalll RNAs of liver from SIDT1 deficient mice and their wild type couterparts.
Project description:NGS has been applied to microRNA-enriched RNA obtained from Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), beer and plasma samples of healthy volunteers that usually consume EVOO hours after the ingestion of 40 mL of EVOO. Results: We did not detect significant amount of microRNA in the EVOO samples. Plasma samples did not contain EVOO microRNAs nor other microRNAs from plant origin. Starting plant material was 30 mL of EVOO or a pool of plasma samples of 5 volunteers
Project description:NGS has been applied to microRNA-enriched RNA obtained from Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), beer and plasma samples of healthy volunteers that usually consume EVOO hours after the ingestion of 40 mL of EVOO. Results: We did not detect significant amount of microRNA in the EVOO samples. Plasma samples did not contain EVOO microRNAs nor other microRNAs from plant origin.
Project description:MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs between 18-23nts in size which regulate the translation and stability of target mRNAs. miRNAs are present in dietary plants and are conventionally thought to be degraded during the gastrointestinal digestion process. Recent reports suggest that a few dietary microRNAs may exhibit resistance to this process, enter systemic circulation and exert biological effects on animal physiology, currently known as cross-kingdom regulation. However, such horizontal transfer of miRNAs via different kingdoms is highly likely for miRNAs that are present intrinsic extracellular vesicles which increases their bioavailability. These vesicular structures from plants are known as Exosome-like nanovesicles (ENV). ENVs have been isolated from several edible plants. ENV-derived miRNAs are probably more bioavailable and are spontaneously absorbed in intestinal epithelium to suppress target transcripts in human/microbial/viral kingdoms. Such cross-kingdom regulation exhibited by ENV-miRNAs, if properly investigated and validated, may aid in the development of non-toxic and cost-effective therapeutics to treat human diseases. In this line, we purified ENVs from four edible plants (Soy bean, ginger, amla and turmeric). Small RNA population from these ENVs were isolated and profiled through small RNA sequencing to identify ENV-associated miRNAs enriched in each species.