Maize miRNAs Might Regulate Human Genes Involved in Prostate Cancer: An In Silico Approach

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recent studies have demonstrated that plant miRNAs can survive through dietary intake and act as signaling molecules in intercellular communication, proving a cross-kingdom interaction. The aim of the present study was to use computational approaches to identify interactions between <i>Zea mays</i> (maize) miRNAs and human coding mRNAs potentially involved in different biological processes. We identified 961 unique genes potentially regulated by maize miRNAs. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis via GO and KEGG was carried out focusing primarily on the pathway related to prostate cancer where 13 genes were potentially regulated by 15 maize miRNAs. Our findings not only provide an important insight into the potential effects that maize-derived miRNAs could have on the human body, but also highlight the importance of considering these molecules for further research and potential therapeutic applications against major diseases such as cancer.