MicroRNAs and mRNAs: A comparative analysis in translation and commercialization

• Examines the potential of microRNAs as next-generation therapeutics. • Compares microRNAs and mRNAs in translation and commercialization prospects. • Highlights microRNAs’ unique gene-regulatory roles in complex diseases. • Discusses the challenges in microRNA delivery and regulatory pathways. • Suggests complementary roles for microRNAs and mRNAs in modern therapeutics. Success with mRNA vaccines has positioned microRNAs as possibly the nextgeneration therapeutics. While mRNAs have demonstrated rapid translation into effective vaccines, microRNAs possess certain advantages in gene regulation, particularly in targeting multiple genes concurrently. Therefore, they are promising for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disorders. This paper provides information about microRNAs with regard to their therapeutic applications, based on their stability, tissue distribution, and specific gene modulation. However, commercialization of microRNA also faces challenges, especially in aspects of delivery and regulatory approval. Unlike the mRNAs, which benefit from the delivery method of lipid nanoparticles, the microRNAs need an innovative delivery method that guarantees target efficacy and ensures minimal off-target effects. Additionally, regulatory pathways for microRNAs have not been fully developed and have to be well-assessed for their safety and effectiveness. We propose that microRNAs and mRNAs may exert complementary therapeutic functions, as mRNAs in vaccines are superior while microRNAs offer new roads to treatments in multifactorial diseases. Since these challenges are being overcome, microRNA-based therapies have the potential to revolutionize treatments for gene regulation and thereby affect the future of RNA therapeutics. This paper outlines the therapeutic potential of microRNAs and the steps involved in translation into clinical application.