Medulloblastomas: Clinically Important MicroRNA Genes

Abstract

MiRNAs, non-protein-coding RNA molecules, negatively regulate gene expression in a sequence–specific manner during biological processes. In the past few years, miRNA genes have emerged as key regulators of not only molecular events involved in normal brain development and function, but also in the molecular pathogenesis of medulloblastomas. In this manner, microRNA genes are identified with functional roles as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Our current knowledge of miRNA genes demonstrates that at least four miRNAs are identified as being useful in improving the molecular classification of medulloblastomas, and the importance of another eight as potentially new prognostication markers for patients’ overall survival. Moreover, >10 miRNAs can be possibly utilized in designing new therapies against medulloblastomas, using nine recent and creative ways of targeting miRNAs within brain tumors. In conclusion, the quest to identify important microRNA genes that are of biological and clinical significance in medulloblastomas is an ongoing venture. Most importantly, the translational applications of these miRNAs are of clinical importance in improving the accuracy of diagnosis, prognosis and even therapies that can significantly ameliorate patients’ overall survival from this deadly disease.