MicroRNA identifies as key regulator of blood cell development

miRagen Therapeutics announces the publication of data demonstrating the essential role of microRNA-451 (miR-451) in the regulation of erythropoiesis, the process of red blood cell production in the body.

Published in the August 1 issue of the journal Genes & Development, the findings highlight miR-451 as a promising target in the development of therapies for the treatment of myeloproliferative diseases, diseases of the blood characterised by an overabundance of blood cells.

The study was conducted by researchers led by Eric N Olson, PhD, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. miRagen is the exclusive licensee of intellectual property rights related to this discovery.

“This discovery adds to a growing body of literature demonstrating the profoundly important role that microRNAs play in the development and progression of a host of disease states,” said William S Marshall, PhD, president and CEO, miRagen. “miR-451 is an exciting target for the development of therapeutic agents in an area of unmet medical need, and we are committed to further exploring that potential.”

“Myeloproliferative diseases are life-threatening disorders implicated in a variety of adverse cardiovascular, vascular, and pulmonary events,” said Olson, chief scientific advisor, miRagen and chairman of molecular biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “Currently there are limited therapeutic options available to patients who suffer from these diseases, and we are very hopeful that this discovery may be translated into meaningful treatments.”