DiamiR Announces Two Publications on microRNA Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Aging

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J., Nov. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DiamiR, a developer of innovative, minimally invasive diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative and other diseases, announced today two publications in Aging:

Experimental paper: Age- and sex-related changes in levels of circulating brain-enriched microRNAs during normal aging [https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101613] and

Theory paper: Aging and aging-associated diseases: a microRNA-based endocrine regulation hypothesis [https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101612]

The study reported in the experimental paper was conducted in collaboration with the New York Blood Center and supported by a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institute on Aging. Levels of specific brain-enriched and inflammation-associated microRNAs were analyzed in plasma samples from individuals of different ages ranging from 26 to 75 years old. Dynamic changes in the plasma concentrations of certain microRNAs occurred at different ages in females and males, with peaks in the 46-55-year-old and 56-65-year-old groups, respectively. The findings suggest that the changes in microRNA levels could be reflective of centrally regulated processes, including changes in hormone levels during menopause.

In the related theory paper published in the same issue, Dr. Samuil Umansky, Chief Scientific Officer of DiamiR, proposes the microRNA-based endocrine regulation hypothesis based on central regulation of cell death occurrences via hypothalamus-pituitary gland-secreted "microRNA hormones", the expression and/or secretion of which are regulated by sex hormones. 

"Aging is a major risk factor for many diseases. The development of reliable biomarkers for monitoring of aging should lead to a better understanding of aging-associated processes and facilitate the development of aging-delaying therapies," commented Dr. Umansky. "The work we reported builds on our earlier studies on circulating brain-enriched microRNAs as biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. The analysis of brain-enriched microRNA circulating in plasma can provide information about age-related changes in the regulation of metabolic processes in the body. Further, the sex-dependent differences in plasma concentrations of certain microRNAs support the proposed hypothesis explaining such known phenomena as inverse comorbidity between cancer and Alzheimer's (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases; higher AD morbidity in women vs. men; higher risk of early AD and reduced risk of solid tumors in individuals with Down syndrome, and others. We believe that brain- and other organ-enriched microRNAs circulating in plasma hold strong promise as biomarkers and potentially even as therapeutic agents for normal and pathological aging."

About DiamiR
DiamiR Biosciences is a privately held molecular diagnostics company focused on developing minimally invasive tests for mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions. The proprietary technology is based on quantitative analysis of organ-enriched microRNA signatures in plasma and is being developed for early diagnosis and patient stratification, as well as disease progression and treatment monitoring. DiamiR collaborates with leading academic centers, disease foundations, and pharma companies. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.diamirbio.com. 

Please Note: This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events. These statements are predictions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual events or results to differ materially.

Contact: 
Kira Sheinerman, PhD
917-678-0990
[email protected]  

SOURCE DiamiR

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