MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are small RNA molecules with important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.In recent years,the predicted number of miRNAs has skyrocketed,largely as a consequence of high-throu...MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are small RNA molecules with important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.In recent years,the predicted number of miRNAs has skyrocketed,largely as a consequence of high-throughput sequencing technologies becoming ubiquitous.This dramatic increase in miRNA candidates poses multiple challenges in terms of data deposition,curation,and validation.Although multiple databases containing miRNA annotations and targets have been developed,ensuring data quality by validating miRNA-target interactions requires the efforts of the research community.In order to generate databases containing biologically active miRNAs,it is imperative to overcome a multitude of hurdles,including restricted miRNA expression patterns,distinct miRNA biogenesis machineries,and divergent miRNA-mRNA interaction dynamics.In the present review,we discuss recent advances and limitations in miRNA prediction,identification,and validation.Lastly,we focus on the most enriched neuronal miRNA,miR-124,and its gene regulatory network in human neurons,which has been revealed using a combined computational and experimental approach.展开更多
Bioelectronic interfaces employing arrays of sensors and bioactuators are promising tools for the study,repair and engineering of cardiac tissues.They are typically constructed from rigid and brittle materials process...Bioelectronic interfaces employing arrays of sensors and bioactuators are promising tools for the study,repair and engineering of cardiac tissues.They are typically constructed from rigid and brittle materials processed in a cleanroom environment.An outstanding technological challenge is the integration of soft materials enabling a closer match to the mechanical properties of biological cells and tissues.Here we present an algorithm for direct writing of elastic membranes with embedded electrodes,optical waveguides and microfluidics using a commercial 3D printing system and a palette of silicone elastomers.As proof of principle,we demonstrate interfacing of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells(hiPSCs),which are engineered to express Channelrhodopsin-2.We demonstrate electrical recording of cardiomyocyte field potentials and their concomitant modulation by optical and pharmacological stimulation delivered via the membrane.Our work contributes a simple prototyping strategy with potential applications in organ-on-chip or implantable systems that are multi-modal and mechanically soft.展开更多
基金supported by a Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist fellowship(A110720)by an European Research Council starting grant(678071-ProNeurons)supported by the Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering(DIGS-BB)program
文摘MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are small RNA molecules with important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.In recent years,the predicted number of miRNAs has skyrocketed,largely as a consequence of high-throughput sequencing technologies becoming ubiquitous.This dramatic increase in miRNA candidates poses multiple challenges in terms of data deposition,curation,and validation.Although multiple databases containing miRNA annotations and targets have been developed,ensuring data quality by validating miRNA-target interactions requires the efforts of the research community.In order to generate databases containing biologically active miRNAs,it is imperative to overcome a multitude of hurdles,including restricted miRNA expression patterns,distinct miRNA biogenesis machineries,and divergent miRNA-mRNA interaction dynamics.In the present review,we discuss recent advances and limitations in miRNA prediction,identification,and validation.Lastly,we focus on the most enriched neuronal miRNA,miR-124,and its gene regulatory network in human neurons,which has been revealed using a combined computational and experimental approach.
基金We acknowledge funding from Volkswagen Foundation(Freigeist 91690)ERC starting grant(804005‐IntegraBrain)and Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden(cfaed).V.B.was supported by the Volkswagen Foundation(Freigeist A110720)by an ERC starting grant(678071-ProNeurons).
文摘Bioelectronic interfaces employing arrays of sensors and bioactuators are promising tools for the study,repair and engineering of cardiac tissues.They are typically constructed from rigid and brittle materials processed in a cleanroom environment.An outstanding technological challenge is the integration of soft materials enabling a closer match to the mechanical properties of biological cells and tissues.Here we present an algorithm for direct writing of elastic membranes with embedded electrodes,optical waveguides and microfluidics using a commercial 3D printing system and a palette of silicone elastomers.As proof of principle,we demonstrate interfacing of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells(hiPSCs),which are engineered to express Channelrhodopsin-2.We demonstrate electrical recording of cardiomyocyte field potentials and their concomitant modulation by optical and pharmacological stimulation delivered via the membrane.Our work contributes a simple prototyping strategy with potential applications in organ-on-chip or implantable systems that are multi-modal and mechanically soft.
