MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is a complex, phenotypically diverse genetic disease, which involves changes in gene expression and structure. Despite advances in the detection and therapy of breast cancer, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Therefore, novel diagnostic and prognostic indicators, as well as potential therapeutic targets are needed. Recently, several studies have shown an involvement for the microRNAs (miRNAs) in breast cancer. MiRNA expression profiling studies have identified sets of miRNAs which are deregulated in breast cancer, and which can separate tumor from normal tissue. Functional studies have uncovered the role of miRNAs in breast cancer as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Furthermore, miRNAs have been suggested to play a critical role in regulating breast cancer metastasis. The purpose of this chapter is to present an overview of our current understanding of miRNAs in breast cancer with specific emphasis on miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets.