abstract |
The present invention relates to a promoter region of a microRNA, the use of a microRNA, in particular miR-21, and related elements for the diagnosis and for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and / or prevention of fibrosis and / or fibrosis related diseases. Additionally, the invention concerns antisense oligonucleotides against miR-21 targets. A cell deficient for miR-21, the promoter region and targets of miR-21 and a genomanipulated organism thereof are also encompassed. Finally, the invention is directed to a method for diagnosing fibrosis and / or fibrosis-related diseases and to a method for selecting a pharmaceutically active compound for the treatment of fibrosis and / or fibrosis-related diseases. The present invention further relates to compositions for use in the treatment, improvement, and / or prevention of fibrosis. In certain embodiments, the compositions modulate the activity of a miRNA for the treatment, improvement, and / or prevention of fibrosis. In certain embodiments, the compositions inhibit the activity of miR-21 for the treatment, improvement, and / or prevention of fibrosis. |