Role of MicroRNAs in Precision Hepatology
10.52927/jdcr.2026.14.1.102
- Author:
Youngwoo LEE
1
;
Eunho CHOI
;
Young-Sun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:SPECIAL ISSUE (REVIEW ARTICLE)
- From:
Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
2026;14(1):102-108
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Chronic liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), account for approximately two million deaths globally each year. Despite increasing insight into their pathophysiology, substantial heterogeneity in disease progression, and therapeutic response underscores the need for precision hepatology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNAs of approximately 20–22 nucleotides, have emerged as promising molecular tools owing to their abundant hepatic expression, dynamic regulation across disease stages, and high stability in biological fluids. In this review, we examine the roles of miRNAs across three pillars of precision medicine in liver disease. First, circulating miRNA panels enable noninvasive diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, significant liver fibrosis, and early-stage HCC, offering a practical alternative to liver biopsy. Second, miRNAs serve as prognostic biomarkers capable of stratifying patients according to fibrosis progression and risk of HCC recurrence. Third, miRNA-based therapeutics―including mimics and antagomirs delivered via lipid nanoparticles or exosomes―have demonstrated promising efficacy in preclinical models. Broader clinical implementation will require standardized protocols, validated quantification platforms, and international regulatory consensus, all of which will be essential for establishing miRNAs as practical tools in precision hepatology.
