Dr. Vimolmas Tansathitaya is an Assistant Professor and Lecturer at the College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Thailand, Dr. Vimolmas Tansathitaya's primary research interests are in miRNA, RNA sequencing and cancer, and physical activity. Her work also extends to the microbiome's connection with the environment and physical activity, with published results from 2022. A significant early focus of her research involved investigating the influence of parental illnesses on birth abnormalities across generations, using miRNAs and target genes as biomarkers. Since completing her Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Human Services at the University of Cincinnati, USA, Dr. Tansathitaya has directed her research towards understanding the potential for genotypic evolution in response to lifestyle changes and the protective effects of exercise on disease. This has led to detailed studies in epigenetics, with a specific emphasis on miRNAs and target genes as key indicators of genetic causality.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a critical part of gene regulation, and they can be produced in several ways. For commercial purposes, miRNAs can be synthesized from long RNAs, plasmids, and tRNAs sourced from bacteria. However, in humans, miRNAs are naturally produced from long non-coding and coding - RNAs.

The potential for miRNAs to be engineered from other types of RNA raises intriguing possibilities for therapeutic applications. This process could be conceptually similar to how viral RNA integrates into human RNA/DNA. In a laboratory setting, miRNAs could be synthesized to target a specific gene, and then delivered into the body using various carriers like viral vectors, bacterial vectors, or inorganic vesicles such as polymer-based nanocarriers, lipid-based vesicles, exosomes, liposomes, and cell membrane-derived vesicles. The goal is for these engineered miRNAs to be integrated with target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), thereby altering the expression of a specific gene to promote a desired, normal function.

Epigenetics, including miRNAs, are biochemical makers that regulate gene expression. They can be influenced by environmental factors and behaviours, and these changes can be inherited by subsequent generations. It is commonly believed that some epigenetic changes can be passed down for three to four generations. However, this inheritance can be stopped or altered if an individual changes their environment or behaviors. For example, if a person adopts a healthy lifestyle, their miRNA expression patterns may change, potentially altering the expression of genes related to chronic diseases.

Epigenetics and Disease Transmission The expression of miRNAs is a key factor in the development of many long-term diseases, including cancer. In cancer, the miRNA profiles of both the host and the tumor cells can be significantly altered. The good news is that these disease-related changes may not be passed on to offspring if the parents adopt new behaviors or change their environment before conception. Epigenetics and Aging Aging is also influenced by miRNA expression. A person's lifestyle, dietary, physical activity, stress, environments etc. during their lifetime can affect the expression of certain miRNAs, which may, in turn, influence the rate of aging. For example, a healthy lifestyle may prevent the significant expression of miRNAs associated with advanced aging. While many factors influence miRNA expression, this principle highlights a fundamental link between well-being and cellular health that can be applied to the general population. It's important to note that this is a simplified explanation. A more detailed and academic discussion would involve a deeper look into the complex molecular mechanisms and numerous factors involved in miRNA regulation.

I am looking for specific miRNAs that can suppress genes responsible for malignant cancer. The goal is to develop a therapeutic approach that halts the progression of aggressive cancer without affecting neighbouring genes.

I also expect to see that miRNAs can be used to suppress autosomal recessive genes. This could prevent birth defects, particularly those associated with rare genetic diseases in infants. By using this method as a preventative measure before fertilization, prospective parents could be cautioned and prevent the transmission of these disorders to their children.