Short non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs), post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in living cells. In recent years, miRNAs have been found in a wide spectrum of mammalian body fluids including blood plasma, saliva, urine, milk, seminal plasma, tears and amniotic fluid as extracellular circulating nuclease-resistant entities. The changes in miRNA spectra observed in certain fluids correlated with various pathological conditions suggesting that extracellular miRNAs can serve as informative biomarkers for certain diseases including cancer. However, the mechanism of generation and a biological role of extracellular miRNAs remain unclear. The current theories regarding extracellular miRNA origin and function suggest that these miRNAs can be either non-specific ‘by-products’ of cellular activity and cell death or specifically released cell-cell signaling messengers. The goal of this Research Topic is to bring together up-to-date knowledge about the extracellular miRNA and its role in disease diagnostics and, possibly, inter-cellular communication.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate various biological phenomena, such as development and homeostasis. The dysregulation of miRNA leads to disease progression, particularly of cancer. In Circulating MicroRNAs: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail recent advances in the isolation, purification and analysis of circulating miRNAs from a variety of sources for research. The book is divided into three main topics. The first section involves the study of secretory miRNAs in cell-cell communication, and the second, the study of circulating miRNAs in body fluids. The last describes the novel techniques used to study circulating miRNAs. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Circulating MicroRNAs: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists in dealing with the recent advances of RNAi technology from the bench to the bedside.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications of Exosomes in Cancer evaluates the potential of exosome content manipulation in the development of novel therapeutics. In recent years, exosomes, the small vesicles produced by all cell types, have been identified as contributors to cancer growth and metastasis. However, due to their unique biophysical properties, they are also being tested for use in therapeutic design and delivery, as well as in diagnostics. This book presents a comprehensive analysis on exosomes, with a main emphasis on their biogenesis and signaling, use as biomarkers, and as tools for imaging, drug delivery and the treatment of cancer.

Macrophages are core components of the innate immune system. Once activated, they may have either pro- or anti-inflammatory effects that include pathogen killing, safe disposal of apoptotic cells or tissue renewal. The activation state of macrophages is conceptualized by the so-called M1/M2 model of polarization. M2 macrophages are not simply antagonists of M1 macrophages; rather, they represent a network of tissue resident macrophages with roles in tissue development and organ homeostasis. M2 macrophages govern functions at the interfaces of immunity, tissue development and turnover, metabolism, and endocrine signaling. Dysfunction in M2 macrophages can ruin the healthy interplay between the immune system and metabolic processes, and lead to diseases such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, M2 macrophages are essential for healthy tissue development and immunological self-tolerance. Worryingly, these functions of M2 macrophages can also be disrupted, resulting in tumor growth and autoimmunity. This book comprehensively discusses the biology of M2 macrophages, summarizes the current state of knowledge, and highlights key questions that remain unanswered.

This detailed book provides an exhaustive picture of current methods to detect, isolate, and analyze extracellular vesicles (EVs) from diverse sources, now seen as potential disease biomarkers as well as tools for the development of new therapies. Beginning with a section on detection and isolation of EVs, the volume continues with chapters covering different methods to isolate and quantify EVs from specialized tissues/organs and body fluids, methods devoted to analyzing EV components, as well as cutting-edge methods to engineer EVs. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Extracellular Vesicles in Diagnosis and Therapy serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to learn more about the complexities of cell-to-cell communication.

MicroRNA (miRNA) biology is a cutting-edge topic in basic as well as biomedical research. This is a specialized book focusing on the current understanding of the role of miRNAs in the development, progression, invasion, and metastasis of diverse types of cancer. It also reviews their potential for applications in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and th

This open access book focuses on the molecular mechanism of congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, offering new insights into the development of pulmonary circulation and the ductus arteriosus. It describes in detail the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and morphogenesis of the heart, lungs and ductus arteriosus, covering a range of topics such as gene functions, growth factors, transcription factors and cellular interactions, as well as stem cell engineering technologies. The book also presents recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of lung development, pulmonary hypertension and molecular regulation of the ductus arteriosus. As such, it is an ideal resource for physicians, scientists and investigators interested in the latest findings on the origins of congenital heart disease and potential future therapies involving pulmonary circulation/hypertension and the ductus arteriosus.