Exploring the Role of MicroRNAs in Regulating Skeletal Muscle Development and Function

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Skeletal muscle development and function are complex processes regulated by various factors at the molecular level. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression, influencing multiple cellular processes. This thesis explores the role of miRNAs in regulating skeletal muscle development and function. The study aims to investigate the specific miRNAs involved, their targets, and the mechanisms through which they modulate muscle development and function. The introduction provides background information on skeletal muscle biology, highlighting the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle development and function. The problem statement emphasizes the need to elucidate the role of miRNAs in this context, considering their potential impact on muscle-related disorders and therapeutic interventions. The objectives of the study include identifying key miRNAs involved in skeletal muscle development, elucidating their regulatory mechanisms, and investigating their effects on muscle function. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including potential challenges in miRNA target identification and functional validation. The scope of the study is defined, focusing on in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize miRNA-mRNA interactions in skeletal muscle cells. The significance of the study lies in its potential to advance our understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation of skeletal muscle development and function, with implications for therapeutic strategies targeting muscle-related disorders. The structure of the thesis is outlined, encompassing literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. The literature review synthesizes existing knowledge on miRNAs and skeletal muscle biology, highlighting key studies and gaps in the current understanding. The research methodology section describes the experimental approaches used to investigate miRNA function in skeletal muscle cells, including cell culture techniques, molecular assays, and bioinformatics analyses. The discussion of findings presents the results of the study, including the identification of specific miRNAs regulating muscle development and function, their target genes, and the pathways they modulate. The implications of these findings for understanding muscle biology and potential therapeutic applications are discussed. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the regulatory role of miRNAs in skeletal muscle development and function. The findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle biology and have implications for future research and therapeutic interventions targeting muscle-related disorders.