From a Small RNA Molecule to the Promise of Transforming Disease Diagnosis: Latest Advances in microRNA Research in Modern Medicine

Over the past several years, modern medicine has continuously sought new tools to enable earlier disease detection, more precise treatment, and personalized therapeutic strategies for individual patients. One of the research areas attracting growing attention is microRNA (miRNA) – tiny RNA molecules capable of regulating the activity of numerous genes, thereby influencing the development and progression of a wide range of diseases.

To provide updates on the latest advances in this field, on the afternoon of July 18, the Center for Biomedical Research and Applications at Phan Chau Trinh University organized a scientific seminar entitled “microRNA: From Molecular Mechanisms to Biomarkers and Clinical Application Potential.” The seminar was conducted in a hybrid format, bringing together faculty members, researchers, physicians from the Phan Chau Trinh University Medical Hospital System and Tam Tri General Hospital, as well as numerous students from both Phan Chau Trinh University and other institutions.

The seminar featured three distinguished speakers specializing in molecular biology and biomedical sciences:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

• Dr. Nguyen Thi Viet Anh – Center for Biomedical Research and Applications, Phan Chau Trinh University

• Dr. Dang Duc Long – Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), The University of Danang

The three presentations were carefully structured into a coherent sequence, enabling participants to gain comprehensive insights from fundamental concepts to practical applications. The seminar began with an overview of microRNA biogenesis in animals and plants, highlighting the roles of key enzymes involved in generating these important regulatory molecules. Building on this foundation, the speakers explored the potential of circulating microRNAs as novel biomarkers in precision medicine while discussing the technical challenges that must be addressed before research findings can be translated into clinical practice. The seminar concluded with updates on emerging therapeutic strategies based on microRNAs combined with extracellular vesicle (exosome) delivery systems. This rapidly evolving research direction has attracted considerable interest in biomedical science due to its ability to selectively target molecular mechanisms within cells, offering promising prospects for treating various diseases as well as advancing aging research.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Viet Anh – Center for Biomedical Research and Applications, Phan Chau Trinh University during her presentation

In addition to the scientific presentations, the discussion session was highly engaging, featuring numerous questions from faculty members, physicians, and participants attending both in person and online. These multidimensional exchanges helped bridge fundamental research with clinical practice while providing participants with updated perspectives on the latest developments in precision medicine worldwide.

Through this scientific seminar, Phan Chau Trinh University continues to foster an academic platform where faculty members, researchers, physicians, and students can access the latest achievements in modern biomedical science. The seminar also represents one of the University's practical initiatives to promote research, education, and the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare quality in the era of precision medicine.