Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common human leukemia occurring as indolent or aggressive form. CLL clinical features and genetic abnormalities are well documented, but molecular details are still under investigation. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs involved in several cellular processes and expressed in a tissue-specific manner. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression, and their deregulation can alter expression levels of genes involved in development/progression of tumors. In CLL, microRNAs can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and can also serve as markers for CLL onset/progression. Here, we discuss the most recent findings about the role of microRNAs in CLL and how this knowledge can be used to identify new biomarkers and treatment approaches.
Highlights
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common human leukemia occurring as indolent or aggressive form
MiR-15a/16-1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) expression levels were found inversely correlated in CLL [23], and downregulation of these microRNAs in leukemic cell lines resulted in an increase of Bcl2 expression with consequent inhibition of apoptosis [23]
The ability of microRNAs to modulate gene expression is essential to provide fine control on several cell processes and its deficiency can be involved in CLL development/ progression
Summary
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common human leukemia occurring as indolent or aggressive form. BCR activation can lead to reduced levels of miR29c, miR-150, miR-181b, or miR-223 [15], and low expression of these microRNAs was observed in patients with shorter survival and/or time to treatment [16]. MiR-15/16 cluster, miR-34b/c, miR-29, miR-181b, miR17/92, miR-150, and miR-155 family members, the most deregulated microRNAs in CLL, were found to regulate important genes, helping to clarify molecular steps of disease onset/progression.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
