Jeong-Sang Lee
Jeonju Univeristy, South Korea
Title: Is use of micro-RNA-containing food feasible for Nutrition and Health?
Biography
Biography: Jeong-Sang Lee
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (mi-RNAs) are a class of small non-coding single-strand RNA molecules (22 nt in length) that play an important role in inhibition of translation or degradation of targeted messenger RNAs (mRNAs) by binding 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs. mi-RNAs are involved in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including apoptosis, cell proliferation, the cell cycle, carcinogenesis and skeletal muscle function. On this basis, mi-RNAs can be used to combat disease and maintain health. mi-RNAs may also facilitate development of enhanced food or feed. We assessed three factors required for use of mi-RNAs in food: stability, safety, and efficacy. This review highlights emerging evidence in the use of mi-RNAs as ingredients in food or animal feed. Dietary mi-RNA, such as plant mi-RNAs and milk mi-RNAs, we confirmed the possibility of their application in food or animal feed. mi-RNAs stable under harsh conditions (pH 1, RNase, 37 ï‚°C) which is associated with their packaging into vesicles, including exosomes and micro vesicles. In addition, ingested mi-RNAs can regulate human gene expression with cross-kingdom activity. We also discuss the challenges to, and perspectives for, the application of miRNAs. As found additional role of nutrients on the indirectly inhibition of the gene via the mi-RNA, synergic effect between nutrients and dietary mi-RNA would be also possible. The relationship between foods and mi-RNAs is highly associated at the epigenetics mechanistic support. Therefore, mi-RNAs or mi-RNA-containing biomaterials (anti-sense oligonucleotides or mimic nucleotides) may be useful function food ingredients to prevent and treat various diseases.