MicroRNAs: key players in carcinogenesis and novel therapeutic targets

A H F Mirnezami1, K Pickard, L Zhang

  • 1University Surgical Unit, Level F Centre Block, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK. ahm@soton.ac.uk

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs vital for cell function. Dysregulated miRNA expression is linked to cancer, offering new therapeutic targets for human malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous non-coding RNAs.
  • They play crucial roles in cellular processes like differentiation and apoptosis.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is increasingly recognized in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of miRNAs in common human malignancies.
  • To analyze the clinical implications of miRNA dysregulation.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies involving miRNAs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on miRNAs and human cancers.
  • Analysis of miRNA expression patterns in malignant tissues.
  • Evaluation of current and emerging miRNA-based therapies.

Main Results:

  • Specific miRNAs are consistently deregulated across various cancers.
  • These miRNA alterations impact tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
  • MiRNAs show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

  • MiRNA dysregulation is a hallmark of human malignancies.
  • Targeting miRNAs offers novel therapeutic avenues.
  • Further research is needed to fully realize the clinical potential of miRNAs.

Related Concept Videos

Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...