Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionary conserved small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by several mechanisms. Deregulation in expression of miRNAs has been reported in the pathogenesis of cancer. Accordingly, studies identified down regulation in the expression of miRNAs having tumor suppressor role and up-regulation in the expression of oncogenic miRNAs in different types of cancer. In response to these observations currently there are ongoing efforts to develop safe and effective miRNA-based therapeutics in the hope of fighting against cancer. This paper aimed at reviewing the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis, and strategies for therapeutic targeting of miRNAs in cancer.
Highlights
IntroductionCancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the presence of cells with uncontrolled growth, and high proliferation capacity [1]
Recent studies have revealed the involvement of class of small non-coding singlestranded RNAs including microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs in the development and progression of cancer [6,7]
This study revealed that miR-17-92 inhibits E2F1 translation after being activated by the transcription factor c-Myc
Summary
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the presence of cells with uncontrolled growth, and high proliferation capacity [1]. Based on insights from decades of research eight changes in cell physiology has been ascribed as hallmarks of cancer, including: sustaining proliferative signaling; insensitivity to antigrowth signals; evasion of apoptosis; limitless replicative potential; sustained angiogenesis; activating invasion and metastasis; as well as reprogramming of energy metabolism and evading immune destruction [2,3]. During development and in response to cellular milieu there might be switch- on or –off of expression of genes encoding proteins that regulate the above process and altered expression of the genes (tumor-suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes) arise from mutations, or expression deregulation in a multistep process resulting in cancer [4,5]. Recent studies have revealed the involvement of class of small non-coding singlestranded RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs in the development and progression of cancer [6,7]. This review aimed at appraising the most current literatures regarding the link between miRNAs and molecular pathogenesis of cancer and the current approach in targeting miRNAs as cancer therapy
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